:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69657730/1330443786.0.jpg)
UPDATE: Old friend returning.
Freddy Galvis is returning to the Phillies in a deal with the Orioles, source tells ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 30, 2021
At the start, it’s tough to see where Galvis will play. Didi Gregorius is the starter at shortstop, so it’s not there. Perhaps he’s more of a platoon with Alec Bohm at the hot corner, but at the very least, he’s a defensive replacement late in games for someone, a valuable resource for anyone who has watched this defense.
UPDATE: The Phillies are getting a prospect in return.
Phillies get Kyle Gibson, Ian Kennedy and Hans Crouse from Texas for Spencer Howard and 2 prospects. Confirming multiple reports. @Ken_Rosenthal @JeffPassan
— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyNBCS) July 30, 2021
Here are the two prospects going to Texas.
Hearing Rangers are getting RHPs Kevin Gowdy and Josh Gessner in addition to Howard for Gibson/Kennedy
— Evan Grant (@Evan_P_Grant) July 30, 2021
Knowing they needed pitching help of any kind and failing to secure some on Tuesday, the Phillies went out and got that help.
Spencer Howard has been traded to the Rangers for Kyle Gibson and Ian Kennedy. He is hugging his teammates. Rangers also getting two Phillies prospects, according to a source.
— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) July 30, 2021
Gibson made the All-Star team this year, posting a 2.87 ERA (3.75 FIP), striking out 20.4% of the hitters he’s faced. He depends on the groundball to get outs (50.9%), so pairing him with this infield isn’t exactly great on paper. Kennedy will solidify the bullpen, putting people back into the proper roles they need.
Spencer Howard is part of the return to Texas, along with what Gelb reported in two other prospects. We’ll have more soon.