Blue Jays trade Lincoln to Phillies for Kratz, Rasmussen

The Toronto Blue Jays have traded RHP Brad Lincoln to the Philadelphia Phillies for C Erik Kratz and LHP Rob Rasmussen. Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

The Toronto Blue Jays have traded RHP Brad Lincoln to the Philadelphia Phillies for catcher Erik Kratz and Rob Rasmussen. The official Twitter accounts for both teams have confirmed the transaction.

Lincoln, 28, was traded to the Blue Jays from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for former first overall pick Travis Snider at the 2012 non-waiver trade deadline. He appeared in 46 games over two seasons for the Jays and in 60.1 innings struck out 53 batters, put up a 4.77 ERA and had a 1.475 WHIP. He split time between MLB and Triple-A during 2013 and has used all of his minor league options.

The Blue Jays overcrowded bullpen (and lack of options) made Lincoln expendable. In return the Jays will receive the 33-year-old Kratz, who was a 29th round draft pick of the Blue Jays in 2002, and Rasmussen, 24.

Rasmussen was drafted in the 2nd round out of UCLA in 2010 and received his first taste of Triple-A this season. However he struggled with a 1.767 WHIP and 1.16 SO/BB ratio and was moved back down to Double-A to finish the year. He throws a fastball, curve and change but his slider is known as his most lethal pitch and has plenty of tilt. He stands only 5’9 with a slender frame so most scouts see him as a potential reliever if he does make it to the MLB level.

Kratz never broke through with the Blue Jays and was granted free agency in 2008. He floated around for a few more years before he finally got another crack at making it to the big leagues. He eventually did and as a 32-year-old rookie posted a .220/.281/.407 triple-slash and 111 wRC+ in 50 games with the Phillies in 2012. Last season he batted .213/.280/.386 and 78 wRC+ in 68 games backing up Carlos Ruiz. He bats right-handed but actually has reverse splits at the plate (hits RHP better than LHP).