Friday night's game against Atlanta was scheduled to be Jeremy Hellickson's final start before the trade deadline, one last gasp for the right-hander to prove his value ahead of Monday.
That last start proved to be unnecessary as the Phillies, according to a report by MLB.com, traded Hellickson to Baltimore after scratching him just 30 minutes before he was set to take the mound, signaling the likelihood that a deal was near. Hellickson was replaced by Jake Thompson, who pitched five scoreless innings in his first action since being promoted Tuesday from triple A.
Hellickson had a 4.73 ERA this season in 20 starts. He allowed six runs last Saturday in five innings in what proved to be his final start with the Phillies. The 30-year-old had a 1.80 ERA in April but has a 5.79 ERA since. He reached the seventh inning just twice in 15 starts since May 1. Hellickson may not be an ace, but can give a contender a reliable pitcher every fifth day.
"He's proven over the last year and even this year, even though last year he pitched a little bit better, that he still has the same stuff," manager Pete Mackanin said. "He's been very consistent for us. We know what to expect out of him. If he makes his pitches, he's tough to hit. You can count on him to throw strikes."
The Phillies tried to move him last July but could not find a suitable offer and instead opted to sign the pitcher this season to a $17 million qualifying offer. They still owe Hellickson roughly $7 million, which they will pay in order to sweeten the return. The Phillies are likely fielding similar trade offers to what they received for Pat Neshek, who went to Colorado on Wednesday night for three minor-leaguers.
The Phillies also traded Howie Kendrick to the Washington Nationals in exchange for single-A pitching prospect McKenzie Mills.
After the Kendrick trade, the Phillies will also try to move Joaquin Benoit before Monday's deadline. They hoped to trade Daniel Nava but he was placed Tuesday on the disabled list. Kendrick will likely need to play this weekend before being traded as he is still sidelined with a bruised hand.
The Phillies will need to replace Hellickson in the rotation. Thompson, after his performance on Friday, seems to have earned another look. The team's former top pitching prospect had a rough season until about five weeks ago when he found confidence in his change-up. He used the pitch for three of his five strikeouts.
It will be easy to judge the trades the Phillies make before Monday by looking at the minor-leaguers they receive in return. But just as important is the opportunity granted to the team's prospects who fill the void left by the ones who are traded. That was the case on Friday as Thompson was given his opportunity and ran with it.
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