Astros deal Lidge to Phillies

Brad Lidge is expected to become the closer for the Phillies.

Philadelphia, PA  - The Houston Astros dealt right-handed reliever Brad Lidge and infielder Eric Bruntlett to the Philadelphia Phillies for outfielder Michael Bourn, right-handed reliever Geoff Geary, and minor- league third baseman Mike Costanzo.

Lidge, 30, went 5-3 with 19 saves and a 3.36 earned run average last season. Formerly one of the top closers in the game, Lidge has hit rough patches over the past few seasons, and briefly lost his job as closer for the Astros early last season. He underwent surgery to repair torn cartilage in his right knee after the season ended, and is expected to be fully recovered by February.

Lidge is expected to become the closer for the Phillies, while Brett Myers will switch back to the starting rotation.

For his career, Lidge has 123 saves, a 3.30 earned run average, and a .213 opponents’ batting average.

Bruntlett, 29, hit .246 with 14 RBI in 80 games for Houston last season, appearing at shortstop, where he had 34 starts, third base, and all three outfield positions. He has also played first and second base during his five- year career.

Bourn, a 25-year-old rookie, hit .277 with one home run, six RBI, and 18 stolen bases for the Phillies last season. Geary, 31, went 3-2 with a 4.41 ERA in 57 games with the Phillies, and also spent considerable time at Triple-A Ottawa due to early season struggles.

Costanzo, 24, hit .270 with 27 home runs and 86 RBI for Double-A Reading, finishing second in the Eastern League in home runs.

Myers was Philadelphia’s opening day starter, but he then moved to the closing role and had a 2.87 ERA and 21 saves in 48 games, helping the Phillies clinch the National League East title.

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