default-cbs-image

Remember last week when the Pirates issued a press release explaining why they had let quality reliever Juan Nicasio go on irrevocable waivers? It was interesting because we pretty much never see such a candid explanation for matters. Nicasio went to the Phillies and appeared in two games. And now he's been traded to the Cardinals. 

Important note: Since the deal happened after the Aug. 31 deadline, Nicasio won't be eligible for the postseason roster, should the Cardinals make it.

He can, however, help them get there, and this is a very good move on that front by the Cardinals front office. 

In an MLB-high 67 appearances this season, Nicasio has a 2.79 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 61 strikeouts in 61 1/3 innings. 

The Cardinals have lost closer Trevor Rosenthal for the season, and the late innings have been an issue pretty much throughout 2017. The bullpen ERA is 4.00, but the Cardinals have collectively posted a 5.22 ERA in the eighth inning and 4.02 in the ninth (and remember, Rosenthal is now gone). 

With the Cardinals entering Wednesday three games out of the second wild card and four out in the NL Central, the plan here is for Nicasio to help the Cardinals make the playoffs and then sort out the bullpen without him if it comes to that. He'll likely be in the late-inning mix with Tyler Lyons and Seung-hwan Oh. 

The Phillies' return is minor-league infielder Eliezer Alvarez. He swings lefty and has spent most of his time at second base with a little shortstop mixed in. In 54 Double-A games this season, Alvarez hit .247/.321/.382 with 11 doubles, four homers, 26 RBI, 29 runs and eight steals. He's not really considered a prospect, but the Phillies had Nicasio for a week and got him for nothing.