The Phillies, one day after acquiring right-hander Kyle Lohse to upgrade their rotation, made a move to supplement their bullpen Tuesday, obtaining Class AAA right-hander Julio Mateo from the Mariners. Mateo, who turns 30 on Thursday, figures to replace righty Ryan Madson, who suffered a strained right shoulder Sunday. The Phillies’ bullpen recently was bolstered by the returns of right-handers Tom Gordon and Brett Myers from injuries.
In return, the Phillies sent infielder Jesus Merchan from Double-A Reading to Seattle.
Mateo, who turns 30 on Thursday, is 18-12 with two saves and a 3.68 ERA in 219 games over six seasons in Seattle. He had an 0.79 ERA in 24 games at Triple-A Tacoma, allowing just three earned runs in 34 1/3 innings. Opponents batted just .200 against him.