Mets Trade Jose Bautista to Phillies

The Phillies acquired Bautista in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations.

The Mets have traded veteran slugger Jose Bautista to the Phillies, the team announced Tuesday.

The Phillies acquired Bautista in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations. Philadelphia had claimed Bautista on revocable waivers Monday.

New York's trade decision came partly because the team re-activated rightfielder Jay Bruce from the disabled list on Friday night, while outfielder Brandon Nimmo is also expected to return from the disabled list soon. These roster moves meant at-bats "were about to get tougher for Bautista," reports the New York Post's Joel Sherman.

Bautista, 37, came to the Mets in May after the Braves released the veteran. In 83 games with New York, Bautista hit .204 with 9 home runs and 37 RBI.

The veteran outfielder becomes the third player to appear for three teams in one division in a single season, according to MLB.com. Kelly Johnson spent time with the Red Sox, Yankees and Orioles in 2014, while Bob Reynolds played for the Tigers, Indians and Orioles in 1975.

Bautista is moving to a playoff-contending team, as the Phillies (70-61) sit in second place in the NL East behind the Braves (73-57).