BOSTON -- The Phillies made an outside-the-box move to significantly upgrade their offense and found a left-hander to improve their bullpen shortly before Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET non-waiver Trade Deadline.The Phillies acquired catcher Wilson Ramos from the Rays for a player to be named or cash considerations. They also acquired left-hander Aaron Loup from the Blue Jays for Triple-A right-hander Jacob Waguespack. The moves follow Friday's trade for infielder Asdrubal Cabrera from the Mets for pitching prospect Franklyn Kilome.Philadelphia gave up relatively little for three players they hope will help them win their first National League East title since 2011. 
The Ramos trade surprised some because Jorge Alfaro is considered the team's catcher of the future. But there is no question Ramos -- who was an American League All-Star for Tampa Bay this season -- will immediately improve the Phillies' offense behind the plate once he returns from the 10-day disabled list following an injured left hamstring. Ramos, 30, is hitting .297 with 14 home runs, 53 RBIs and an .834 OPS in 315 plate appearances for the Rays. Phillies catchers this season rank 11th in baseball with a .709 OPS.Ramos has not played since July 14 because of the injury. But once he returns -- he told reporters he could be back in the next two weeks -- he will become the Phillies' frontline catcher, with Alfaro moving into a backup role.Presumably, Andrew Knapp will be optioned until rosters expand in September.Loup hopes to bolster a Phillies bullpen that has been throwing the ball well lately. He has a 4.54 ERA in 50 relief appearances with the Blue Jays.Infielder Trevor Plouffe and left-hander Zac Curtis have been designated for assignment, clearing room on the 40-man roster for Ramos and Loup.
The Ramos trade surprised some because Jorge Alfaro is considered the team's catcher of the future. But there is no question Ramos -- who was an American League All-Star for Tampa Bay this season -- will immediately improve the Phillies' offense behind the plate once he returns from the 10-day disabled list following an injured left hamstring. Ramos, 30, is hitting .297 with 14 home runs, 53 RBIs and an .834 OPS in 315 plate appearances for the Rays. Phillies catchers this season rank 11th in baseball with a .709 OPS.Ramos has not played since July 14 because of the injury. But once he returns -- he told reporters he could be back in the next two weeks -- he will become the Phillies' frontline catcher, with Alfaro moving into a backup role.Presumably, Andrew Knapp will be optioned until rosters expand in September.Loup hopes to bolster a Phillies bullpen that has been throwing the ball well lately. He has a 4.54 ERA in 50 relief appearances with the Blue Jays.Infielder Trevor Plouffe and left-hander Zac Curtis have been designated for assignment, clearing room on the 40-man roster for Ramos and Loup.
Todd Zolecki/MLB.com
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