Dodgers trade Lindblom to Philadelphia in MLB deadline deal

LOS ANGELES, Ca (WLFI) - The Los Angeles Dodgers have traded former Harrison Raider and Purdue Boilermaker Josh Lindblom and prospect Ethan Martin to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for veteran outfielder Shane Victorino.

The Dodgers drafted Lindblom in the second round in 2008, out of Purdue University. Lindblom has had a solid season as a rookie, posting a 3.02 ERA as a member of the Dodgers bullpen, with a 43/18 K/BB ratio in 48 innings and 42 hits allowed.

“This organization is all I have ever known in my professional career. They drafted me and I worked my way up through their system and got my first shot at pitching in the big leagues with them. Some of my best friends are on this team and it is very difficult for my wife and me to leave them behind,” said Josh Lindblom .

The Dodgers are 56-48 and tied with the San Francisco Giants atop the National League West. Philadelphia is 45-57, 16 1/2 games behind the Washington Nationals in the NL East.

Throughout the weeks leading up to the MLB trade deadline, Lindblom heard his name involved in multiple deals but the former Raider and Boilermaker took a wait and see approach.

“You hear rumors and chatter about your name being in trade talks, but until it happens, I don't know if you believe it. there is a flood of emotion that comes along with that phone call- sadness to leave your teammates behind, but also excitement to join a new organization,” said Lindblom.

This season Lindblom has shown a 90-94 MPH fastball and mixes in a slider, curveball, and changeup.

Shane Victorino has played his last eight seasons in Philadelphia, helping the team reach the playoffs the past five years which includes winning the World Series in 2008.

A two-time All-Star, Victorino is batting .261 this season with a .324 on-base percentage, nine home runs and 40 runs batted in. His 24 stolen bases are tied for ninth in the major leagues.

Lindblom was on a red eye flight from Los Angeles to Washington D.C. on Tuesday night and is excited to join his new teammates on Wednesday when the Phillies play game two of a three game set against the Nationals.

“I couldn't be more excited that the Phillies want me to be apart of there organization. Philadelphia is one of the best sports cities in the country. Every time we have played there, I have loved the atmosphere at Citizens Bank Ball Park. I'm excited to join a championship caliber club,” said Lindblom.

Lindblom will make a number change when he makes his debut in a Phillies uniform on Wednesday. He will switch from 52 to 43. First pitch tonight in our nations capitol is set for 7:05.