Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Updated Report – July 28, 6:40

Pending physicals, folks. The Tyler Anderson fiasco is a good reminder that all reported deals are pending physicals. The initially reported deal between the Pirates and Phillies fell apart because one of the prospects going to Pittsburgh had a physical issue.

Now, despite a report that the Mets were trying to swoop in late, Anderson will head to the Mariners for two prospects according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.

Original Report – July 27, 16:20

One starting pitching option is officially off the board.

According to numerous reports, including Jayson Stark of The Athletic, the Philadelphia Phillies have acquired left-hander Tyler Anderson from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for a pair of second-tier prospects.

MLB Network’s Jon Heyman reported earlier today that the Pirates were looking to deal the lefty prior to his scheduled start tonight against the Brewers, and the Mets were apparently amongst the teams in on him.

Anderson has posted a 4.36 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 86 strikeouts, and allowed 16 home runs on the season for the Pirates. Much of his success can be credited to his career-low 2.2 BB/9 on the campaign. He has reached at least five innings in every start this season, and has posted a 3.98 ERA over his past nine starts.

Anderson now joins Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Matt Moore, and Zach Eflin (when healthy) in the Phillies’ rotation. It will be interesting to see how he fares in the hitter friendly confines of Citizens Bank Ballpark.

The two prospects acquired by the Pirates are 20-year old RHP Cristian Hernandez and 21-year old C Abrahan Gutierrez.

Hernandez is the Phillies #29 ranked prospect, and he’s been having a solid season for Low-A Clearwater, recording 74 strikeouts over 69 innings. Gutierrez isn’t ranked amongst the Phillies top prospects but was hitting .285 with a .842 OPS with Clearwater this season.

With Anderson now off the board, the Mets will have to transition to other depth options such as Zach Davies or Jon Gray, or go for one of the big-arms on the market in Max Scherzer or Jose Berrios.