Antonio Bastardo Garnering Trade Interest

Jim Salisbury of CSN.Com is reporting that Phillies left hander Antonio Bastardo is drawing the most trade interest at this current time. Teams that are linked to Bastardo are the Royals, Tigers, Pirates, and Blue Jays. The Reds had some interest earlier this month as well. Bastardo is signed for $2 million dollars this year, and is under team control next season. The lefty specialist is also one of the few Phillies who does not have a ridiculous vesting option in his contract. All of these things make Antonio Bastardo a very attractive piece for teams needing relief help.

Bastardo is having a solid season compiling a 3.27 ERA with a 10.8 K/9 rate. Bastardo is not only having success against lefty hitters, but righty’s as well. righty’s are hitting just .175 off the 28-year old while lefty’s are hitting just .140. The Royals, Tigers, Pirates and Blue Jays all have scouts in Philly scouting the series with the Giants. Because of his team friendly contract, age, and success this season, Antonio Bastardo could be the first, and possibly the only Phillie moved by the July 31st trade deadline.