Updated: 7 p.m.
The Phillies are on the verge of acquiring another veteran bat - Jose Bautista.
The team claimed Bautista on waivers, with the timeline for negotiations ending Tuesday, a source confirmed Monday to NBC Sports Philadelphia's Jim Salisbury. (Teams get two days from the time the claim was awarded.)
The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal first reported the story.
Bautista, 37, has played mostly the outfield corners this season. He's started 40 games in right field, 13 in left field and nine at third base.
In 338 plate appearances this season - 298 with the Mets, 40 before that with the Braves - Bautista has hit .199/.340/.368 with 14 doubles, 11 homers and 42 RBI.
Since July 1, his numbers are even worse. But this would simply be a "why not?" move. The guy has power and could run into a few homers down the stretch for the Phillies, a la Russell Branyan in 2007.
The Mets won't be expecting much for an older part-time player whose contract they don't control past this season. Could end up costing the Phils just cash considerations.
The oblique injury to Justin Bour and the lingering issues with Wilson Ramos have again heightened the need for extra bats on this 25-man roster.
If the Phillies do complete the trade by Tuesday, Bautista would be eligible for the playoffs if they get there. That isn't the case with players acquired after Sept. 1.
Rosters also expand on Sept. 1, so whoever would be optioned to make room for Bautista - Andrew Knapp being the most likely candidate - would be headed back to the Phillies within days.
