Blue Jays Acquire Michael Schwimer From Phillies

The Phillies announced that they have traded reliever Michael Schwimer to the Blue Jays for minor league first baseman Art Charles.  Schwimer appeared in 35 games for the Phillies last season.

Schwimer, who turned 27 on Tuesday, posted a 4.46 ERA with 9.4 K/9 and 4.2 BB/9 in 2012.  He has put up even more impressive numbers across three seasons at the Triple-A level, boasting a 2.12 ERA with 10.4 K/9 and 2.9 BB/9.  Standing at 6'8", Schwimer was a three-sport athlete coming out of high school and passed on a basketball scholarship at Duke to pitch at Virginia.

Charles, 22, is a left-handed hitting first baseman who spent part of last season with Toronto's Class-A Short Season affiliate in Vancouver.  Charles was drafted twice before being selected by the Blue Jays in the 20th round in 2010.