FoxSports.com MLB reporter Ken Rosenthal is reporting that the Houston Astros have signed reliever Brandon Lyon to a three-year deal worth $15 million, pending a physical.

The news comes on the heels of a trade between Houston and the Florida Marlins that sent reliever Matt Lindstrom to the Astros for right-hander Robert Bono, infielder Luis Bryan and a player to be named later.

Both additions are seen as replacements to closer Jose Valverde, who did not accept arbitration and is not expected to be back, and Latroy Hawkins, who signed with the Brewers earlier in the day.

This is all newsworthy to Phillies fans as they were reportedly aggressively pursuing Lyon to bolster the bullpen as a setup man and possible backup should closer Brad Lidge break down again. However, it has since come out that that may not have been the case, and that the Phillies may have only had preliminary discussion with Lyon.

ESPN’s Jayson Stark reported earlier Wednesday that the Phillies were pursuing reliever Fernando Rodney as aggressively as they were Lyon, who was seen, at the time, as the Phillies top relieving target.

The Phillies are also interested in veteran John Smoltz, and met with his agent, Keith Grunewald, Wednesday morning. According to Andy Martino of the Philadelphia Inquirer, the two sides have maintained contact throughout the Winter Meetings, but no formal offer has been, as of yet. Smoltz could fill the need in the bullpen or as a back end of the rotation starter.

The signing of Lyon could also put added emphasis on re-signing Chan Ho Park and Scott Eyre, with whom the Phillies have been in contact but do not appear to be making much progress.

We will have more for you tomorrow as the Winter Meetings wrap up. Stay tuned.