Phillies trade Joely Rodriguez to Texas

BOSTON — Joely Rodriguez, who posted a 6.33 ERA in 26 games with the Phillies this season, found a new home Tuesday. The Texas Rangers acquired him in a trade for a player to be named later or cash.

The Rangers were not the only team interested in Rodriguez; he is lefthanded, 25 years old, and can throw 95 mph. He could be optioned to the minors, which is what Texas did in sending him to triple-A Round Rock.

Rodriguez was designated for assignment last week. He had a 7.90 ERA in his final 13 outings and allowed 10 of his 12 inherited runners to score over that stretch. Last September, Rodriguez emerged as a potential lefty option in the bullpen. But, this season, the Phillies used him more as a long man and his command suffered.

The Phillies acquired Rodriguez in December 2014 when they traded Antonio Bastardo to Pittsburgh. With Rodriguez's departure, the Phillies have just one lefthanded pitcher on the 40-man roster: Adam Morgan.

Extra bases
Vince Velasquez (strained right elbow) made 10 throws from 75 feet Tuesday. "He's progressing," Phillies manager Pete Mackanin said. Don't expect Velasquez back before the all-star break. … Howie Kendrick was the first Phillies player to steal three bases in a game since Ben Revere in 2013. Kendrick, who missed six weeks with an abdominal injury, leads the team in stolen bases with seven. … The Phillies and Red Sox switch venues on Wednesday, with Jeremy Hellickson against lefty Brian Johnson at Citizens Bank Park.