M’s ship Mateo to Phillies

PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Phillies acquired reliever Julio Mateo from Seattle, adding bullpen depth shortly before Tuesday’s deadline for making trades without waivers.

Mateo hasn’t pitched in the major leagues since early May. The right-hander was suspended by the Mariners after his May 5 arrest for allegedly assaulting his wife at a Manhattan hotel. He is due back in court in New York on Sept. 4 on a third-degree assault charge.

The Phillies sent infielder Jesus Merchan from Double-A Reading to Seattle for Mateo.

Mateo was 1-0 with a 3.75 ERA in nine appearances this season. He will be assigned to Triple-A Ottawa, although he could end up with the Phillies quickly.

Seattle general manager Bill Bavasi said his team had decided long ago that Mateo would never pitch for the Mariners again, and that Mateo agreed. The M’s sought the setup reliever that Mateo used to be for them before the trade deadline, but were unable to complete a deal.

Bavasi said he never reconsidered bringing Mateo back to Seattle after his 10-day suspension despite a strong performance at Triple-A Tacoma.