Fans were left surprised as the Toronto Blue Jays and Philadelphia Phillies completed a rare late-August trade for pitcher Vinny Nittoli. Nittoli is a minor league player, which means he is still eligible to be traded, despite being past the August 2nd deadline. It was a virtually no-risk move for both teams.Nittoli was one day away from opting out of his contract with the Toronto Blue Jays and would have become a free agent. This trade allows them to get something back for the talented pitcher, rather than letting him walk for nothing. The Philadelphia Phillies get a young relief pitcher with plenty of upside, at a time when quality pitching is at a premium.Jeff Passan was the first to report on this trade via Twitter.Jeff Passan@JeffPassanThe Phillies traded for right-handed reliever Vinny Nittoli and plan to add him to their big league roster tomorrow, sources tell ESPN. Nittoli intended to opt out of his minor league deal today, but Toronto shipped him to Philadelphia first. He has excelled at AAA this year.2164180The Phillies traded for right-handed reliever Vinny Nittoli and plan to add him to their big league roster tomorrow, sources tell ESPN. Nittoli intended to opt out of his minor league deal today, but Toronto shipped him to Philadelphia first. He has excelled at AAA this year.The move was not universally praised by Phillies fans, especially after the heartbreaking loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks.Max Fried Enthusiast@atlhoe12345@JeffPassan not gonna help them being outscored 25-3 by the dbacks17@JeffPassan not gonna help them being outscored 25-3 by the dbacksThe Philadelphia Phillies will need to win big in September to make the postseason. If Vinny Nittoli is able to help them get there, he will be a tremendous acquisition.Rodney (babytron better)@lukatroncic4@JeffPassan the september collapse is no more we have vinny nittoli!!!!!!321@JeffPassan the september collapse is no more we have vinny nittoli!!!!!!Recent struggles may have forced this move to happen sooner rather than later.Isaac@philly_isaac@JeffPassan after this series in arizona, we need all the pitching we can get8@JeffPassan after this series in arizona, we need all the pitching we can getThis move won't make the Phillies one of the top teams in the MLB, but it could help them improve. At this point in the season, finding ways to improve the roster is nearly impossible.jayden@PhilliesJayden@JeffPassan surely this will fix all of our problems!2@JeffPassan surely this will fix all of our problems!Mike Harrington provided a statistical analysis of how well Vinny Nittoli performed in the minor leagues.Mike Harrington@ByMHarringtonNittoli was 0-0, 2.79 with two saves in 10 games with #Bisons, struck out 15 and walked only one in 9 2/3 innings as opponents batted .171. twitter.com/JeffPassan/sta…Jeff Passan@JeffPassanThe Phillies traded for right-handed reliever Vinny Nittoli and plan to add him to their big league roster tomorrow, sources tell ESPN. Nittoli intended to opt out of his minor league deal today, but Toronto shipped him to Philadelphia first. He has excelled at AAA this year.21651The Phillies traded for right-handed reliever Vinny Nittoli and plan to add him to their big league roster tomorrow, sources tell ESPN. Nittoli intended to opt out of his minor league deal today, but Toronto shipped him to Philadelphia first. He has excelled at AAA this year.Nittoli was 0-0, 2.79 with two saves in 10 games with #Bisons, struck out 15 and walked only one in 9 2/3 innings as opponents batted .171. twitter.com/JeffPassan/sta…The Philadelphia Phillies fanbase has very low expectations for their pitching staff.Brave Toaster@BraveToaster3@JeffPassan Well, most of the Phillies pen pitch like minor leaguers so he should fit right in.@JeffPassan Well, most of the Phillies pen pitch like minor leaguers so he should fit right in.This was a somewhat surprising move by the Toronto Blue Jays, who are usually able to capitalize on their talented prospects.Dee Black MMA wasn’t banned@Dee_Black_MMA_@JeffPassan Toronto doesn’t need RP or anything2@JeffPassan Toronto doesn’t need RP or anythingThe MLB experience Nittoli will gain over the next month could be invaluable for the future of his career.Greg Hall@GregTalksALotLove this deal.He was very good in the minors. Didn’t impress at the majors, but only had one appearance.If he’s better than Nick Nelson & Mark Appel, he has a spot in this bullpen & could help in the 5th or 6th.No risk move with upside. If he stinks, bye bye.#RingTheBell twitter.com/jeffpassan/sta…Jeff Passan@JeffPassanThe Phillies traded for right-handed reliever Vinny Nittoli and plan to add him to their big league roster tomorrow, sources tell ESPN. Nittoli intended to opt out of his minor league deal today, but Toronto shipped him to Philadelphia first. He has excelled at AAA this year.2166180The Phillies traded for right-handed reliever Vinny Nittoli and plan to add him to their big league roster tomorrow, sources tell ESPN. Nittoli intended to opt out of his minor league deal today, but Toronto shipped him to Philadelphia first. He has excelled at AAA this year.Love this deal.He was very good in the minors. Didn’t impress at the majors, but only had one appearance.If he’s better than Nick Nelson & Mark Appel, he has a spot in this bullpen & could help in the 5th or 6th.No risk move with upside. If he stinks, bye bye.#RingTheBell twitter.com/jeffpassan/sta…It may have taken longer than expected for Vinny Nittoli to get his shot, but now that he has it, he cannot let it slip.Colin // #TeamChaO’s@GRodStanNo clue why he was never brought up at all twitter.com/jeffpassan/sta…Jeff Passan@JeffPassanThe Phillies traded for right-handed reliever Vinny Nittoli and plan to add him to their big league roster tomorrow, sources tell ESPN. Nittoli intended to opt out of his minor league deal today, but Toronto shipped him to Philadelphia first. He has excelled at AAA this year.2166180The Phillies traded for right-handed reliever Vinny Nittoli and plan to add him to their big league roster tomorrow, sources tell ESPN. Nittoli intended to opt out of his minor league deal today, but Toronto shipped him to Philadelphia first. He has excelled at AAA this year.No clue why he was never brought up at all twitter.com/jeffpassan/sta…The Phillies will hope that Nittoli can quickly become a valuable member of their bullpen.The acquisition of Vinny Nittoli represents the beginning of the playoff push for the Philadelphia PhilliesPhiladelphia Phillies v Arizona DiamondbacksWith the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves at the top of the National League East, a division lead seems impossible for the Phillies. This means they will have to battle for one of the few Wildcard spots. With Bryce Harper's return, the team is rounding into form at the perfect time.They currently have a good shot at making the playoffs, and hope that Vinny Nittoli will be able to put them over the top.