(AP)
Shortly after the Phillies lost their fourth straight game, they found out that they would also be losing future Hall of Famer, Jim Thome.
The Phillies have traded Thome to the Baltimore Orioles, as first reported by CSN Insider Jim Salisbury. In return for Thome, the Phillies will get 21-year-old right-hander Kyle Simon (3.96 ERA at Frederick, Baltimore’s High-A affiliate) and 19-year-old catcher Gabriel Lino.
This is a move that makes sense for both sides. Baltimore is in need of a DH, and the Phillies don’t have a spot for Thome in their regular lineup, as his balky back prevents him from playing the field.
Interest in Thome piqued following his return from the DL when he hit .333 with four home runs and 14 RBI while DHing for the Phils through a nine game American League road trip.
The 41-year-old Thome came to Philadelphia this past offseason to try and win a World Series, but, at this juncture in the season, it doesn’t look like he’ll have a chance to do that with the Phillies. Some have suggested that the Phillies traded Thome as a professional courtesy, allowing him to go to contender where he’ll have a chance to play regularly.
During parts of four seasons, Thome hit 101 home runs with the Phillies. He has 609 career home runs.
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