Sports Talk Philly: Philadelphia Sports News and Rumors

Phillies Acquire RHP Mike Morin from Twins

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By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor

The Philadelphia Phillies have acquired right-handed reliever Mike Morin from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for cash considerations. Morin is expected to join the team in Pittsburgh on Saturday, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer's Matt Breen.

#Phillies have acquired RHP Mike Morin from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for cash considerations. pic.twitter.com/k8U3SK92eB

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) July 20, 2019

As a corresponding move, to make room for Morin on the 40-man roster, RHP Seranthony Dominguez was transferred to the 60-day injured list. Morin had been recently designated for assignment by the Twins, and as The Athletic's Matt Gelb notes, he is out of options; hence, Morin will likely replace someone currently on the 25-man MLB roster.

Morin, 28, is a six-year veteran that has previous ties with Phillies General Manager Matt Klentak with the Los Angeles Angels. The right-hander played his first three-plus seasons (2014-17) in Los Angeles, before he was selected off waivers. Having also played for the Kansas City Royals (2017), Seattle Mariners (2018) and Twins (2019), Morin has a career 10-8 record, 4.48 ERA and 1.246 WHIP over 209 relief appearances.

This season alone, the Andover, Minnesota, native had posted a strong 3.18 ERA and 0.971 WHIP, albeit striking out only 11 batters and walking just two spanning 22 2/3 frames. Also with the Twins in 2019, Morin had finished a career-tying-high 10 games, while also recording one save in as many opportunities; he held opponents to a .227 batting average (.190 against left-handers).

Breaking Down 76ers' Exhibit 10 Deal with Christ Koumadje

We've officially signed Christ Koumadje to a contract! ✍️https://t.co/s1bYt7x0ET | #HereTheyCome pic.twitter.com/OQJSzMBor5

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) July 19, 2019

By Scott Cashin, Sports Talk Philly Writer

The Philadelphia 76ers used the Exhibit 10 to sign Christ Koumadje to a one-year, partially guaranteed contract on Friday afternoon.

You might wonder what is an Exhibit 10 deal?  Exhibit 10 is a clause that can be included in a minimum contract to allow for a bonus for a waived player signing with the team’s G-League affiliate in the event they don’t make the 15-man roster.  To qualify for a bonus that can range between $5,000 and $50,000, the player must be on the G-League roster for at least 60 days.  The player can be signed to a two-way contract if one is available.

Phillies Seek 1st Consecutive Series Wins in Pittsburgh Since 1987

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By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor

Behind RHP Zach Eflin, the Philadelphia Phillies (51-47) will look to continue their recent momentum into the second of a three-game road set opposite the Pittsburgh Pirates (45-51) Saturday evening at PNC Park.

RELATED | Phillies Cruise Past Pirates for 2nd Straight Win

The Phillies' offense came alive in the 6-1 series opener win, outhitting the Pirates 15-7 and going 4-for-13 with runners in scoring position. Adam Haseley tallied two RBI, including his second career home run to tie the game at one in the fifth. Cole Irvin was credited with his first career save, allowing only one hit over the final two frames to secure the Phillies win. Starter Jake Arrieta tossed 5 2/3 innings, allowing only one run on six hits, two walks and four strikeouts.

A win on Saturday would mark the first time that the Phillies won consecutive series at PNC Park, which opened in 2001, and the first time in Pittsburgh overall since 1987, notes The Philadelphia Inquirer's Matt Breen.

Starting for the Pirates will be four-year veteran RHP Joe Musgrove. The right-hander was originally slated to start in Sunday's finale, but he was moved up a day to replace RHP Trevor Williams, scratched due to flu-like symptoms.

Pirates are honoring 1979 champs tonight so Phillies and Pirates will both wear throwbacks. Pirates in black and Phillies in powder blue. Two great looks. pic.twitter.com/t5IlAdqx8K

— Matt Breen (@matt_breen) July 20, 2019

Both Eflin and Musgrove struggled in their most recent starts last Monday, allowing a combined 14 hits, 12 runs (11 earned), four walks, and two home runs over 10 2/3 innings. The Phillies lost 16-2 to the Los Angeles Dodgers, while the Pirates were blanked, 7-0, by the St. Louis Cardinals.

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Starting Pitching Matchup:

Philadelphia Phillies (51-47)			Pittsburgh Pirates (45-51)
RHP	Zach Eflin		RHP	Joe Musgrove
	(7-9, 4.16 ERA)			(6-8, 4.31 ERA)

Phillies Cruise Past Pirates for 2nd Straight Win

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By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor

After splitting their six-game homestand, the Philadelphia Phillies (51-47) started their five-game road trip on a positive note Friday evening at PNC Park, defeating their Pennsylvania state rival Pittsburgh Pirates (45-51), 6-1. The Phillies have now won three of their last four games and four of their last six.

The Pirates got out to an early 1-0 lead in the second, when with two outs Pirates catcher Elias Diaz laced a RBI single to center field. Another run from either side would not score until the top of the fifth, when rookie Adam Haseley drilled his second career home run — and second in as many games — to center, tying the game at one. Earlier in the game, Haseley recorded his first career outfield assist.

402 feet later, the #Phillies' Adam Haseley has #MLB homer No. 2.

The 2017 first-round #MLBDraft pick is up to 12 dingers across @MLB and @MiLB this season. pic.twitter.com/8bVOZiaWtB

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) July 20, 2019

Bryce Harper would produce the game-winning run two innings later, when with runners on the corners and two outs, he hit a RBI single, his 70th RBI, to center to give the Phillies a 2-1 lead. The next inning, Jean Segura worked a 13-pitch at-bat, with the bases loaded and two outs, that resulted after replay review in a RBI infield single.

The Phillies added three insurance runs in the ninth, highligted by Maikel Franco's RBI single and Haseley's RBI double to deep right, his second extra-base hit of the game.

Despite pitching his second straight start with a bone spur, Jake Arrieta managed to allow just one run, six hits and two walks, while punching out four batters, through 5 2/3 innings. The right-hander was credited with the winning decision, improving his record to 4-2 over eight starts since the start of June.

In relief of Arrieta, the Phillies bullpen in Juan Nicasio (1/3 inning), Jose Alvarez (one inning) and Cole Irvin (two innings) allowed just one baserunner, while striking out one batter. Pirates starter Jordan Lyles allowed one through, seven hits and one walk over 5 2/3 innings.

Nicasio earned the winning decision, while Irvin was credited with his first career save.

The Phillies have scored 24 runs over their last four games, and with the win, they have now won seven of their last eight games against the Pirates dating back to last season.

Report: Phillies, Braves Scout LHP Mike Minor

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By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor

Drew Smyly might not be the only left-handed addition to the Philadelphia Phillies starting pitching rotation come the July 31 trade deadline.

RELATED | Report: Phillies Interested in Reunion with LHP Jake Diekman

According to MLB Network's Jon Morosi, the Phillies, along with their National League East division rival Atlanta Braves, scouted Texas Rangers LHP Mike Minor in his start Friday evening, away against the Houston Astros. Through his first three innings, the 2019 American League All-Star allowed four solo home runs, one walk and six hits overall.