Blue Jays Acquire Michael Schwimer From Phillies

July 1, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Michael Schwimer (44) throws against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY SportsAlex Anthopoulos continued his love affair with relief pitchers on Saturday, acquiring right-hander Michael Schwimer from the Philadephia Phillies in exchange for minor league first baseman Art Charles.

The team announced the acquisition through an official press release on Saturday.

The 27-year-old Schwimer was a 14th round selection by the Phillies in the 2008 draft and has appeared in 47 games between 2011 and 2012, pitching mostly in mop-up duty. He holds a 3-2 record with a lifetime ERA of 4.62 and 9.6 K/9 ratio. The University of Virginia product has fared better in the minors, achieving a 22-11 record with a 2.60 ERA and a 11.8 K/9 ratio.

In Charles, the Blue Jays are sending Philadelphia their 20th round selection in the 2010 MLB draft. In 3 seasons in the minors, the 22-year-old Charles has spent most of his time in rookie ball, but received a late season promotion to Vancouver in 2012. In 169 career games, Charles owns an average of .239 with 28 home runs, 108 RBI, and a .840 OPS.

At 6ft 8in, Schwimer offers a unique size and could possibly become a mid-season call-up for the Blue Jays should the need arise, but he will likely spend most of the season in Buffalo waiting for that opportunity.

To make room for Schwimer, the Blue Jays moved Luis Perez, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, to the 60-day disabled list.