David Phelps Returns To The National League, Traded To Chicago

David Phelps has been on many different teams throughout his career.

The right -hander started out in the American League where he was a member of the New York Yankees 2012-2014 and then he went to the National League where he was a member of Miami for two full seasons and part of the 2017 season before being traded to Seattle in 2017.

Then he went through Tommy John surgery before being able to get back on the mound in 2019 where he signed with Toronto.

Being back in the division where he started his career didn’t last long though as he was traded to the Chicago Cubs during the trade deadline that goes up until July 31st.

Per an official announcement from the Blue Jays, they will receive minor-leaguer Thomas Hatch from the Cubs in exchange for Phelps and cash considerations.  “according to https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2847763-cubs-rumors-david-phelps-acquired-in-trade-with-blue-jays-for-thomas-hatch

MLB.com's Mark Feinsand shared Hatch's scouting report: “according to https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2847763-cubs-rumors-david-phelps-acquired-in-trade-with-blue-jays-for-thomas-hatch

Hatch, a third-round pick in 2016, has struggled in three professional seasons. The former Oklahoma State pitcher has a 4.59 ERA with 93 strikeouts and 37 walks in 100 innings at Double-A. “according to https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2847763-cubs-rumors-david-phelps-acquired-in-trade-with-blue-jays-for-thomas-hatch

Toronto can afford to take a flier on a pitcher like Hatch because the team is looking ahead to 2020 and beyond.  “according to https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2847763-cubs-rumors-david-phelps-acquired-in-trade-with-blue-jays-for-thomas-hatch

In addition to Phelps, the Cubs recently added Derek Holland to their pitching staff in a deal with the San Francisco Giants last week.  “according to https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2847763-cubs-rumors-david-phelps-acquired-in-trade-with-blue-jays-for-thomas-hatch

While Holland will have to prove himself in Chicago after posting a 5.90 ERA in 31 appearances with the Giants, Phelps can step in as a key contributor out of the bullpen for manager Joe Maddon down the stretch. “according to https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2847763-cubs-rumors-david-phelps-acquired-in-trade-with-blue-jays-for-thomas-hatch

Chicago's relievers rank 10th in MLB with a 4.22 ERA in 347.2 innings, but it's not a deep group for Maddon to choose from. Pedro Strop, Brad Brach and Craig Kimbrel all have ERAs over 5.00. Carl Edwards Jr. has been optioned to the minors twice because of his ongoing struggles. “according to https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2847763-cubs-rumors-david-phelps-acquired-in-trade-with-blue-jays-for-thomas-hatch

Phelps had a 3.63 ERA with 18 strikeouts in 17.1 innings for the Blue Jays. The 32-year-old missed the entire 2018 season due to Tommy John surgery. He started this season on the injured list, but has had no issues since returning on June 17.  “according to https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2847763-cubs-rumors-david-phelps-acquired-in-trade-with-blue-jays-for-thomas-hatch