Philadelphia Phillies Trade Struggling Reliever to Dodgers for Minor League Arm

After some early season struggles from one of their relievers, the Philadelphia Phillies decided to ship him out for a minor league pitcher.

Mar 30, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Connor Brogdon (75) in action during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Philadelphia Phillies at Globe Life Field. | Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The Philadelphia Phillies' bullpen was largely disappointing in their opening home series, one of the reasons why they left Citizens Bank Park with a 2-4 record to start the year.

Connor Brogdon made the Opening Day roster, but struggled out of the gate, giving up six earned runs over two innings pitched across his three appearances.

The right-hander was hoping for a bounce back season after he struggled in 2023 following being an important piece of the Phillies' World Series run in 2022.

That did not happen and he was ultimately designated for assignment.

Now, according to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com, Philadelphia decided to ship Brogdon to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for minor league pitcher Benony Robles.

There's always a concern when teams send struggling pitchers to the Dodgers because they have been known to turn these types of players into key contributors for them. However, it seemed like the right-hander needed a change of scenery and the Phillies were able to get back an interesting prospect in return.

Robles is a 23-year-old lefty who pitched at the High Single-A level in 2023, posting a 3.86 ERA across his 33 appearances that included one start. What stands out are his strikeout numbers, fanning 53 batters during his 32 2/3 innings pitched.

Philadelphia didn't acquire someone in this deal who is going to help them this year, but they were able to add an intriguing pitcher by shipping one out who has struggled for the better part of the past two seasons.

If the Phillies are able to develop Robles' talent, they'll have an intriguing bullpen piece who could be ready for his Major League debut in the next few years.