Phillies make trade, send 32-year-old pitcher to American League after two games

The Philadelphia Phillies traded pitcher Trevor Richards, who made just two appearances out of their bullpen this season, to the Chicago White Sox on May 5 for cash considerations.

Richards, 32, allowed only one earned run across 4.1 innings, good for a 2.08 ERA. He’ll get a potentially longer runway with the White Sox, who are off to a surprising start in the American League Central.

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Richards is a veteran of nine MLB seasons. His two relief appearances with the Phillies, on May 2 and April 30, were his first big league games since July 2025 with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

After signing a minor league contract with the Phillies last December, Richards had a strong showing in spring training. He allowed three earned runs in eight innings (3.38 ERA), walked four batters and struck out 11.

But he was assigned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley after allowed six hits and three runs over eight spring innings, striking out 11 batters. He went 1-0 with a 1.93 ERA in nine appearances for the Phillies’ top farm team prior to his promotion on April 30.

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In a corresponding 40-man roster move, the White Sox transferred right-handed pitcher Drew Thorpe to the 60-day injured list. It’s a procedural move that does not affect Thorpe’s timeline for recovery. He is recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Chicago’s bullpen is full, so they will need to make a corresponding 26-man roster move before Richards can appear in a game.

The White Sox are 17-18, half a game out of first place in the AL Central going into Tuesday’s game in Anaheim. Erick Fedde will start for Chicago.