The Phillies have officially made their first move ahead of Friday’s trade deadline. Philadelphia has acquired left handed starter Tyler Anderson from the Pittsburgh Pirates. In exchange for Tyler Anderson, the Phillies are sending RHP Cristian Hernandez and catcher Abrahan Gutierrez.

Tyler Anderson is 5-8 on the year with 18 games started for Pittsburgh. Anderson has a 4.35 ERA on the season, in 103.1 innings pitched. He tallied 86 strikeouts, while giving up 16 home runs and 25 walks on a depleted Pirates team. Although his stats aren’t eye opening, Anderson holds an ERA that is just around the league average, and is an immediate upgrade from the current SP situation.

Anderson isn’t a flashy name, or even player, but he’s going to give you some quality innings, which is what this team needs right now. With Matt Moore struggling, Spencer Howard not being able to give you depth, and never knowing what you’re going to get from Vince Velasquez, the move for a starting pitcher was necessary.

Update: Anderson Trade Has Been Delayed

According to Jon Heyman, the trade has been delayed. The cause is uncertain. More updates will be provided once an announcement has been made.

As Rosenthal just said above, the trade has been held back due to an issue with one of Cristian Hernandez and Abrahan Gutierrez. One of those players could be replaced for the trade to go through, but nothing has been announced. More updates soon.

Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports confirms, one of the two Phillies prospects is going through a medical review. “Sides will work through it”, but the trade is still at a halt. Stay with me everyone, we’ll get through this together.

The Phillies take on the Nationals tonight at Citizens Bank Park, looking to stay hot after last night’s season saving victory. Another trade could be on the way between these two, with Philadelphia reported to be a top contender for reliever Richard Rodriguez.

Mandatory Credit: AP Photos