The Philadelphia Phillies have traded pitching prospect Jesse Biddle, according to Philly.com's Matt Gelb.
Source: The Phillies have traded Jesse Biddle.
— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) February 3, 2016
Jim Salisbury of Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia says that he is headed across the state to the Pirates, while also noting that it's not clear what the Phillies will receive for dealing him.
Confirming @MattGelb Jesse Biddle traded. He is headed to Pirates, source says. Not sure of return at this point
— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyCSN) February 3, 2016
Biddle spoke openly about pitching through an injury in the 2015 season last week, after the team designated him for assignment to make room for the recently claimed Bobby LaFromboise. It appeared, despite him being taken off of the 40-man roster, that he would remain in the organization as he sat out the 2016 season after having Tommy John surgery.
Biddle, a first-round pick in 2010, was very successful in the lower levels of the minors. That allowed him to shoot up different prospect rankings lists and appear as though he would be part of the Phillies next generation, though that won't come to fruition. Biddle struggled mightily with injuries the past two seasons at numerous levels of the minors, including being struck by hail in the head in 2014, which left him concussed and probably mentally less than 100 percent long after.
The Germantown Friends High School graduate could very well turn his career around with the Pirates, a team that's had success reviving the careers of some pitchers. He's had bad luck with injuries and if he can bounce-back from that, a change of scenery may be the best possible thing for the 24 year-old.
Tim Kelly (@TimKellySports) is the Managing Editor of Philliedelphia.com, focusing on news and features.
