Phillies Add Left-Handed Reliever Aaron Loup

In addition to landing All-Star catcher Wilson Ramos this afternoon, the Phillies reportedly also added what they hope is an upgrade to the bullpen:

#BlueJays have traded Aaron Loup to the #Phillies for a prospect per sources

— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) July 31, 2018

The 30-year-old left-hander throws at what Chris Wheeler would call a “funky” angle:

This cutter from Aaron Loup, oh my pic.twitter.com/dxJ5mb5AEw

— Ben Palmer (@benjpalmer) May 30, 2018

Loup, who will be a free agent this winter, posted a 4.54 ERA, 3.61 FIP, and a 10.6 K/9 in 35.2 innings of work this season. Given his drastic season splits, it would appear that he will be expected to help the Phillies get out left-handed hitters who are so far hitting .268 with a .690 OPS against him this season. Right-handed hitters have pummeled him to the tune of a .317/.386/.558 slashline. Woof.

Over his seven year career with the Blue Jays, left-handed hitters have posted a .619 OPS.

The Phillies sent 24-year-old pitcher Jacob Waguespack, who had a 5.06 ERA in 14 games at Lehigh Valley, to Toronto in exchange for Loup.

To make room for Loup, the Phillies announced they have designated Trevor Plouffe for assignment.