By Paul Bowman, Sports Talk Philly Staff 
Phillies made yet another move today to improve their bench. With recent acquisition Justin Boar now on the disabled list for an unknown length of time, the Phillies made a move to acquire veteran bat Jose Bautista.
After multiple reports that the Mets wanted good prospects in return for Bautista, MLB.com writer Todd Zolecki is reporting that the Phillies will send a player to be named later or cash to the Mets in exchange.
Source confirms the #Phillies acquire Jose Bautista from Mets for a player to be named later or cash. Bautista will be a bat off the bench for the #Phillies.
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) August 28, 2018
Matt Klentak and the Phillies must have convinced the Mets front office to come down on their price for the six-time All-Star and three-time Silver Slugger Award winner.
Over 15 years in the Major Leagues, Bautista has hit 342 home runs and is slashing .247/.361/.475. This season he has a line of .204/.351/.367 with nine home runs. The Phillies will likely use him as a bench bat that has postseason experience to help the younger guys on the team.
To make room for Bautista on the 40-man roster, the Phillies have designated Mark Leiter Jr. for assignment.
The #Phillies announce the Jose Bautista trade. To make room on the 40-man roster, RHP Mark Leiter Jr. is designated for assignment.
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) August 28, 2018
Leiter has struggled this season with a 5.40 ERA and a WHIP of 1.800 with the big league club in only 16 and two-thirds innings pitched this season. Leiter will now be exposed to waivers and another cclub could claim him as occurred with Jake Thompson being sent to the Brewers.
Paul Bowman
Paul Bowman
