With a deadline looming to finalize their 40-man roster prior to the Rule 5 Draft, the Phillies protected several prospects and acquired a young pitcher from the Tampa Bay Rays.
Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports that the Phillies have acquired 22-year-old pitcher Cristopher Sanchez from Tampa Bay for 19-year-old Australian infielder Curtis Mead.
Sanchez, a left-handed pitcher from the Dominican Republic, had a 2.41 ERA in 23 appearances for the Rays Single and Advanced-A clubs last season. He also made one relief appearance in Triple-A, allowing three runs in an inning and a third.