Eyre Ball

The Phillies have just traded for lefty reliever Scott Eyre, who was designated for assignment by the Cubs a few days ago. Clearwater reliever Brian Schlitter will be heading to Chicago. Todd Zolecki reports:

The Cubs designated Eyre for assignment this week after he went 2-0 with a 7.15 ERA in just 19 appearances because of two stints on the disabled list. He had 14 scoreless appearances to start the season before he got rocked in his last five. In the official team press release, the Phillies mention that six of the nine earned runs Eyre has allowed have come against American League teams, for whatever that's worth.

He has held lefthanders to a .259 average and .244 average for his career.

Schlitter, the team's 16th round pick i n2007, was 4-3 with a 2.22 ERA and six saves in 34 games for Clearwater.

Eyre got off to a good start in 2008, but then had a string of lousy outings and found himself buried in Lou Piniella's doghouse. He's appeared just once since June 26. 

Presumably either J.A. Happ or Les Walrond will return to Lehigh Valley with Eyre joining the Phils. The other is likely to follow when Rudy Seanez comes off the DL in a week or so.