Phillies Trade Juan Nicasio to Cardinals

Talk about making something out of nothing - the Phillies on Wednesday traded newcomer Juan Nicasio to the St. Louis Cardinals for infield prospect Eliezer Alvarez.

Alvarez, 22, has spent the majority of his minor-league career at second base. He hit .323 with a .404 on-base percentage and 36 steals last season at Class A Peoria, causing Baseball America to rank him 10th in St. Louis' farm system entering 2017. This season, Alvarez has hit .248/.318/.390 with little power.

But really, getting anything in return for Nicasio is a win for Phillies general manager Matt Klentak. The Phils were awarded Nicasio off waivers at the end of August, making use of their top priority in the NL waiver order. They obviously have little use for a reliever who's an impending free agent and decided to flip him to St. Louis.

The Cards are hoping Nicasio can provide quality innings in September, but because this trade occurred after Sept. 1, Nicasio is not eligible to pitch in the postseason.

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