LOS ANGELES – The Phillies have acquired veteran outfielder Jay Bruce from the Seattle Mariners, according to sources.
Bruce will join the Phillies in time for Monday night's game in San Diego.
It was not immediately clear who the Phillies would give up to get Bruce. The teams have yet to announce the deal officially, but Bruce was seen packing his bags in the Mariners' clubhouse Sunday and told reporters there that he'd been traded to Philadelphia.
The Phillies are looking for Bruce to provide an upgrade to their bench. The 32-year-old slugger has 300 career homers, including 14 this season with the Mariners. Overall, he is hitting just .212 with an .816 OPS. He has 11 doubles, 28 RBIs and 53 strikeouts in 165 at-bats.
With Odubel Herrera's uncertain future with the Phillies, Bruce could get some time in the outfield. It will not come in his customary right field because Bryce Harper is set there. Bruce could get some time in left field with Andrew McCutchen getting some reps in centerfield.
Bruce is owed about $9 million this season and $14 million next season. The Phillies will take on some, but not all, of that money, according to a source. The Phillies are in no danger of reaching the $206 million luxury-tax threshold this season so the Bruce addition will not preclude other additions. The Phils are looking for pitching upgrades, both in the bullpen and the rotation (see story).
The Phillies will have to clear a spot on the 25-man roster to get Bruce on board.
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