Philadelphia, PA (Betting Express) - The Philadelphia Phillies have called a news conference for 6 p.m. (et) today, when it's expected they will announce the acquisition of starting pitcher Eric Milton from the Twins. The Phillies will apparently send reliever Carlos Silva and infielder Nick Punto to Minnesota.

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reported Wednesday that Milton, who has one year at $9 million remaining on his contract, was one of two players the Twins have been trying to trade. The other is outfielder Jacque Jones.

The 28-year-old Milton, a lefthander, pitched in just three regular season games this year after having surgery March 5 to repair a deteriorated bone in his left knee. He started 29 games in 2002 and went 13-9 with a 4.48 ERA.

Milton, a 2001 All-Star who has been with the Twins since starting his career in 1998, has compiled a 57-51 record with a 4.76 ERA over 166 games.

Silva, a righthanded middle reliever, had a 3-1 record with a 4.43 ERA with one save this past season. The 24-year-old has pitched in 130 games in his two seasons in Philadelphia.

Punto, a utility infielder, saw time at second base, shortstop and third in 2003 and had a .217 batting average with a homer and four RBI in 64 games. The 26-year-old had played four games in 2001 and nine in 2002 in his only other years in the majors.