Trade Rundown by the minute

4:00 p.m. ET

Dodgers acquired RHP Yu Darvish from the Rangers in exchange for INF Willie Calhoun, RHP AJ Alexy, and INF Brendon Davis.

The Dodgers snuck the move in just before the deadline came, landing another high-upside arm to pair with Clayton Kershaw and Alex Wood come playoff time (assuming Kershaw returns from his back injury with no issues). An impending free agent, Darvish holds a 4.01 ERA and 148/45 K/BB ratio over 137 innings this season.


Astros acquired LHP Francisco Liriano from the Blue Jays for OFs Nori Aoki and Teoscar Hernandez.

The move is now official. Liriano has struggled with a 5.88 ERA over 18 starts this season, but the Astros are planning to use him as a reliever down the stretch. It's worth a shot, as the veteran southpaw has held left-handed batters to a .230/.254/.361 batting line this season.


Dodgers acquired LHP Tony Cingrani from the Reds in exchange for INF/OF Scott Van Slyke and C/INF Hendrik Clementina.

Cingrani has had issue with the home run ball this season, but he boasts a 24/6 K/BB ratio over 23 1/3 innings. He'll give the Dodgers another left relief arm and is under team control through 2019.

 

 

 

Nationals acquired RHP Brandon Kintzler from the Twins for LHP Tyler Watson and $500,000 in international spending money.

After acquiring Sean Doolittle and Ryan Madson from the Athletics earlier this month, the Nationals saved one more move for Monday's trade deadline. Kintzler isn't a strikeout pitcher (5.4 K/9) this season, but he owns a 2.99 ERA over the last two seasons and does a good job keeping the ball on the ground. He was the closer with the Twins, but it's unclear how the Nationals plan to deploy him. He's set to become a free agent this winter. Taylor Rogers or Matt Belisle could slide into ninth-inning duties with Minnesota.

 

 

 

 

Dodgers acquired LHP Tony Watson from the Pirates in exchange for RHP Angel German and INF Oneil Cruz.

Watson lost his closer job earlier this season in Pittsburgh, but he's been a quality reliever for years and will upgrade the Dodgers' setup situation. The left-hander is an impending free agent.

 

 

 

Pirates acquired RHP Joaquin Benoit and cash considerations from the Phillies in exchange for RHP Seth McGarry.

He throws with a different arm, but Benoit will essentially slide into a setup role vacated by Tony Watson. The veteran righty holds a 4.07 ERA and 43/16 K/BB ratio over 42 innings this season.


Brewers acquired RHP Jeremy Jeffress from the Rangers for RHP Tayler Scott.

The deal is now official. Jeffress' tenure with the Rangers didn't go according to plan, as he posted a 4.67 ERA in 51 appearances and was also arrested for a DWI, but the Brewers are hoping that the reunion can get him back on track as a late-inning option.

 

 

 

Orioles acquired INF Tim Beckham from the Rays for RHP Tobias Myers.

This deal is more about the future for the O's, who sit four games under .500 at the 2017 trade deadline. Beckham, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 MLB Draft, carries three more years of contractual control at age 27. He has batted .259/.314/.407 with a career-high 12 home runs and five stolen bases in 87 games this season. Look for him to get regular starts at shortstop in Baltimore while J.J. Hardy recovers from a fractured wrist.


Indians acquired RHP Joe Smith from the Blue Jays for LHP Thomas Pannone and INF Samad Taylor.

Smith gives the Tribe another reliable bullpen weapon for the stretch run and postseason. The 32-year-old impending free agent had posted a 3.28 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and 51/10 K/BB ratio over 35 2/3 innings this summer for the Blue Jays. He pitched for Cleveland from 2009-2013.

FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports that the Padres have decided to hold Brad Hand.

There's an argument to be made that Hand's value will never be higher, but the Padres didn't find an acceptable offer and will revisit things down the road. Hand, who owns a 2.00 ERA and 70/14 K/BB ratio over 54 innings this season, is under team control through 2019.


3:40 p.m. ET

Diamondbacks acquired RHP David Hernandez from the Angels for RHP Luis Madero.

Hernandez will slide into a setup role with his old club after posting a cool 2.23 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, and 37/8 K/BB ratio over 36 1/3 innings this season out of the Angels' bullpen. The 32-year-old right-hander is scheduled to become a free agent in November, so he'll likely be a rental for the Wild Card-hunting Diamondbacks.

Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports reports that the Dodgers are closing in on a deal for Pirates reliever Tony Watson.

FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports that the deal is done, pending medicals. This presumably means that the Dodgers were unable or unwilling to meet the lofty asking price for Zach Britton or Brad Hand. Watson won't make the impact that those guys would, but he's still capable of being a useful bridge to the ninth inning.


3:30 p.m. ET

Yankees acquired RHP Sonny Gray and $1.5 million in international spending money from the Athletics for OF Dustin Fowler, INF/OF Jorge Mateo, and RHP James Kaprielian.

This one had been in the works for a while and is now officially done. Gray, 27, is under contract through the 2019 season and has registered a cool 3.43 ERA, 1.175 WHIP, and 94/30 K/BB ratio over 97 innings this year. Fowler and Kaprielian are both done for the year due to major injuries, but they're highly-thought-of prospects and will eventually inject new life into the Athletics' minor league system. Mateo, a consensus top-100 prospect leading into 2017, will presumably join up with the Double-A affiliate of the A's.

Bruce Levine of WSCR-AM reports that the Diamondbacks are talking to the Tigers about shortstop Jose Iglesias.

The Diamondbacks already acquired Adam Rosales from the Athletics for some middle infield depth on Monday, but clearly they are aiming higher with Chris Owings and Nick Ahmed injured. Iglesias, a skilled defender, is batting .265/.298/.367 over 86 games this season. He's under team control for one more year.


3:20 p.m. ET

Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports that Justin Verlander won't be traded before Monday's deadline.

Things were already trending in that direction, so this just confirms it. Given Verlander's underwhelming year and his sizable remaining contract, a trade was always a longshot. The Tigers could revisit the idea in August or during the offseason.


3:15 p.m. ET

FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports that the Indians have acquired Joe Smith from the Blue Jays.

It's a homecoming of sorts for Smith, who worked out of the Indians bullpen from 2009-2013.  The impending free agent right-hander had registered a 3.28 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and 51/10 K/BB ratio over 35 2/3 innings this season for Toronto.  Tim Brown of Yahoo Sports says the Blue Jays will get two lower-level minor leaguers in return.

3:00 p.m. ET

Jack Curry of YES Network reports that the Yankees will acquire right-hander Sonny Gray from the Yankees.

According to Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports, Dustin Fowler, Jorge Mateo, and James Kaprielian are headed back to Oakland. The two sides have been haggling over the pieces involved -- with Estevan Florial being mentioned prominently in recent days -- but most expected that the Yankees would eventually land their man. Gray has bounced back this season with a 3.43 ERA over 16 starts. This move isn't just about this season, as he's under team control for two additional seasons.

2:55 p.m. ET

According to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports, the Yankees and A's "have had some movement but aren't quite there yet" on a Sonny Gray trade.

John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle reported earlier that multiple teams remain in the hunt on Gray, but Heyman calls the Yankees the "favorite" to ultimately acquire the 27-year-old right-hander. Gray has posted a 3.43 ERA, 1.175 WHIP, and 94/30 K/BB ratio across 97 innings this season for Oakland. He is under control through 2019.


Orioles acquired RHP Yefry Ramirez from the Yankees in exchange for international bonus pool money.

Yet another international bonus pool money deal for the Orioles. Ramirez, 23, has a 3.41 ERA and 91/38 K/BB ratio in 92 1/3 innings over 18 starts in Double-A this year.

2:30 p.m. ET

Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports that the Blue Jays will acquire Teoscar Hernandez from the Astros in the Francisco Liriano deal.



So the Blue Jays will receive Hernandez and Nori Aoki in the deal. Hernandez, 24, is batting .279/.369/.485 with 12 homers and 12 steals over 79 games this season at Triple-A. He was blocked in the majors in Houston, but he could have a chance to thrive in Toronto.


USA Today's Bob Nightengale reports that the Royals are in talks with the Blue Jays to acquire another starting pitcher.

Nightengale suggests that it could be Marco Estrada or J.A. Happ, and Chris Cotillo of SB Nation says Kansas City has been talking about Estrada "for weeks." Estrada, a 34-year-old impending free agent, owns a rough 5.43 ERA in 114 1/3 innings this season with Toronto. Happ, who's under contract through 2019, holds a 4.15 ERA in 78 frames.


2:05 p.m. ET

Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com reports that the Brewers have acquired Jeremy Jeffress from the Rangers.

Or, we should say reacquire. Of course, the Brewers flipped Jeffress to the Rangers in the Jonathan Lucroy trade just one year ago. The 29-year-old has scuffled with a 5.31 ERA over 39 appearances this season, but the Brewers are hoping for a return to form. He's just a year removed from a 2.33 ERA and still carries two more years of team control. Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports that the Rangers will acquire right-hander Tayler Scott in return.


2:00 p.m. ET

Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports that the Astros will trade Nori Aoki and a minor leaguer to the Blue Jays in the Francisco Liriano deal.

The move signifies that Derek Fisher should stick around with the Astros for the remainder of the season. As for Aoki, he comes with another year of team control. The 35-year-old is batting .272/.323/.371 across 71 games this season.


According to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal, Blue Jays reliever Joe Smith is a target for the Indians.

Smith spent five seasons with the Indians from 2009-2013 and it sounds like a reunion could be in order. The veteran setup man holds a 3.28 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and 51/10 K/BB ratio in 35 2/3 innings this season with Toronto. He is scheduled to become a free agent in November.

According to AJ Cassevell of MLB.com, four teams are still in on Padres reliever Brad Hand.

It's unclear which teams are in the mix, but his situation could depend on what happens with some of the other notable relievers, including Zach Britton. Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports mentions the Nationals as one possibility. The Padres are aiming high with Hand and could keep him around if their asking price isn't met. The southpaw is under team control through 2019.


1:50 p.m. ET

Diamondbacks acquired INF Adam Rosales from the Athletics for RHP Jeferson Mejia.

The Diamondbacks were in serious need of infield depth with Chris Owings and Nick Ahmed injured and Ketel Marte away from the team, so Rosales fills a need. The 34-year-old was batting .234/.273/.346 with four homers and 27 RBI over 71 games with Oakland.


1:35 p.m. ET

Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports that the Astros have acquired left-hander Francisco Liriano from the Blue Jays, pending a physical.

Davidi hears that an outfielder will likely be coming back to the Astros. Liriano has struggled with a 5.88 ERA over 18 starts this season, but the Astros are hoping he'll have better luck in relief. The southpaw has held left-handed batters to a .615 OPS this season.


A baseball executive told FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal that the Astros are close to acquiring Zach Britton from the Orioles.

And another source confirmed to Rosenthal that talks between the two clubs have grown "serious," though the Dodgers are also still involved here too.  Britton, 29, owns a dominant 1.54 ERA over his last 228 innings dating back to the beginning of the 2014 season, though he's struggled with injuries and a bit of ineffectiveness this year.  The late-inning lefty is under contract through 2018 via salary arbitration.


1:15 p.m. ET

FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports that the Astros are talking to the Blue Jays about Francisco Liriano.

Liriano has had a pretty terrible year, posting a 5.88 ERA over 18 starts, but Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports that interested teams have been looking at him more as a reliever than a starter. If the Astros were to acquire him, he would be used in relief.


1:10 p.m. ET

Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports writes that "it's getting increasingly harder" to see the Dodgers pulling off a trade for Yu Darvish.

Passan reports that the two sides just aren't matching up despite plenty of discussions. The Dodgers are reluctant to include top prospects Walker Buehler or Alex Verdugo and unless they budge, this appears unlikely to come together by Monday's deadline. Stay tuned.

1:00 p.m. ET

According to ESPN's Buster Olney, there is "speculation within the industry" that Lance Lynn might fit best with the Indians.

It's unclear at this point -- just three hours from the trade deadline -- whether the Cardinals consider themselves buyers or sellers. If they do decide to sell, Lynn would be their biggest trade chip. An impending free agent, the 30-year-old right-hander has registered a 3.20 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and 110/46 K/BB ratio over 126 2/3 innings this season for St. Louis.


Buster Olney of ESPN reports that the Mets don't expect to trade Asdrubal Cabrera before Monday's deadline.

This backs up what was reported by Joel Sherman of the New York Post. The Mets are certainly trying, but there aren't many contenders out there with a clear need for infield help. The outlook could change at some point in August. It's worth noting that Cabrera's contract includes an $8.5 million club option for 2018, with a $2.5 million buyout.

12:35 p.m. ET

Buster Olney of ESPN reports that the Angels are marketing Bud Norris and David Hernandez and are expected to move them by Monday's trade deadline.

The timing isn't the best in regard to Norris, who has struggled of late. Still, he's had a surprisingly strong season on the whole, putting up a 3.89 ERA over 44 appearances. Hernandez owns a 2.23 ERA over 38 appearances with the Angels.


12:00 p.m. ET

Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports that a Sonny Gray-to-the-Yankees trade is "gaining traction."

The Athletics understandably want a major haul for a pitcher who is under team control through 2019. There appears to some debate on the names involved, but the chances are a deal appear to be more likely than not as the 4 p.m. deadline approaches.

ESPN's Jerry Crasnick reports that the Twins "have fielded a lot of calls" on Brandon Kintzler.

Kintzler is a fit for just about every contending team as a bullpen rental.  The 32-year-old impending free agent has registered a 2.78 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in 45 1/3 innings this season while racking up 28 saves.  There's known to be serious interest from the Diamondbacks, Nationals, Rockies, and Rays.


11:45 a.m. ET

Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports that the Marlins continue to field offers on Dan Straily.

However, Feinsand hears that the offers haven't been sufficient enough to suggest that something will get done by Monday's deadline. There's a chance something could be revisited during the offseason. Straily, who is under team control through 2020, owns a 3.79 ERA and 111/35 K/BB ratio over 123 1/3 innings this season.


Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports that the Rangers are reluctant to part with left-hander Alex Claudio.

The thought is that Claudio could sweeten a package involving Yu Darvish, but the Rangers aren't high on parting with him in any deal. The southpaw isn't a hard-thrower, but he owns a 2.38 ERA and 33/10 K/BB ratio over 53 innings. He's under team control for four more years.

11:30 a.m. ET

Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports that the Tigers are not involved in active trade talks regarding Justin Verlander.

It's not a big surprise. While Verlander was excellent in his most recent start, he hasn't had a particularly good years and is still owed $60 million through 2019. He also has a full no-trade clause, so there are way too many sticking points to getting a deal done. Barring something unexpected, he should still be with the Tigers by the end of the day.


11:00 a.m. ET

Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports that the Red Sox are "getting closer" to acquiring Addison Reed from the Mets.

Tim Brown of Yahoo Sports confirms the report and adds that only medicals stand in the way of the deal being official. Alex Speier of the Boston Globe reports that relief prospects Jamie Callahan, Gerson Bautista, and Stephen Nogosek are headed to New York. Reed should be a great addition to Boston's bullpen. The impending free agent owns a 2.20 ERA with 9.9 K/9 and 1.4 BB/9 in 128 appearances over the past two seasons.

 

 

 

Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that the Indians are "pushing hard" for Orioles reliever Zach Britton.

Hoynes adds that the Indians are in the mix for Rangers ace Yu Darvish, but only if the price comes down. The Indians were linked to Addison Reed in a previous report, so clearly there's something to them looking to improve their already excellent bullpen. The difference between Britton and Reed is that Britton is under team control for next year, so the Indians would have to part with more in the way of talent. The Dodgers and Astros are among the other clubs who have been linked to Britton.


10:00 a.m. ET

Cubs acquired LHP Justin Wilson, and C Alex Avila from the Tigers for INFs Jeimer Candelario, Isaac Paredes, and a player to be named later or cash considerations.

The deal was reported Sunday and it's now official. Wilson owns a 2.68 ERA with 13 saves and a 55/16 K/BB ratio over 40 1/3 innings this season. The southpaw has functioned as Detroit's closer over the past couple of months, but he'll move into a set-up role in Chicago down the stretch. He's under team control through 2018 and could be a potential closer option next year.


According to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com, the Yankees and Athletics are "close enough to get over the hump" on a Sonny Gray trade by Monday's deadline.

Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported Sunday afternoon that talks appeared to be at a standstill, but there's still optimism that something will get done. The Yankees acquired left-hander Jaime Garcia from the Twins over the weekend, but they still want someone to put near the top of their rotation for the stretch run. The resurgent Gray would certainly qualify.

According to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports, the Rangers and Dodgers are at an impasse in talks regarding Yu Darvish.

The Dodgers have been the favorites for Darvish all along, but Heyman suggests that they are getting cold feet about the prospects required to pull off such a deal. Walker Buehler and Alex Verdugo are surely being discussed here. The Rangers are reportedly talking to other teams (including the Indians), but a compromise is still possible before Monday's deadline.

Deadline Day , and trades a'comin.

Trade Deadline Day is upon us.

The Yankees and A's continue to engage in talks regarding Sonny Gray, who is scheduled to pitch tonight for Oakland.
After talks reportedly stalled between the clubs Sunday, several reports speculate a deal will get done. The Yankees remain the favorite to land Gray, though the Braves are hanging around in the mix as well, according to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand. The Cubs, according to MLB Network Insider Jon Heyman, checked in on Gray, but didn't have the pieces to complete a deal.
Gray was scheduled to pitch Sunday, but he was scratched after trade talks intensified. But the Yankees and A's reportedly reached an impasse over the weekend leading up to today's 4 p.m. ET non-waiver Trade Deadline.

New York reportedly will not part with its top two prospects, shortstop Gleyber Torres and outfielder Clint Frazier, who is currently with the big league club. But according to Heyman on Saturday, the A's have eased off their demand for one of those two players, increasing the likelihood that a deal could get done.
Per Heyman's report, several teams have inquired about Gray, with the Dodgers and Astros among contenders with the prospects to make such a trade happen. But the Dodgers, according to Heyman, might value Yu Darvish higher than Gray -- although Clayton Kershaw's back injury might alter their plans -- and the Astros are also looking at Orioles closer Zach Britton, who could command a high price.
In his six starts over the last month, Gray has been at the top of his game, with a 1.37 ERA and 36 strikeouts in 39 1/3 innings in those outings going back to June 25.

Orioles closer Zach Britton is the top reliever available on the trade market, and the likelihood of Baltimore dealing him prior to today's 4 p.m. ET non-waiver Trade Deadline is growing.
An unnamed evaluator told ESPN's Buster Olney, "I'd be shocked if [Britton] doesn't move." According to Olney, the O's "have been purposefully leaning toward" moving the dominant left-hander.
Parts of the Dodgers' organization also seem to be focusing in on acquiring "a wipe out left-handed reliever," per Olney. Britton, who has converted 57 straight saves (the second-longest streak in Major League history behind Eric Gagne's 84 from 2002-04), certainly fits that bill.
Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com also reports the Indians are in on the chase to acquire Britton. Per Hoynes, Cleveland is "pushing hard" to obtain Britton to pair him with left-hander Andrew Miller since the club lost lefty Boone Logan to injury earlier in July.

The Indians, per MLB Network insider Ken Rosenthal, were trying to get righty Addison Reed from the Mets before he was dealt to Boston. Now, Cleveland is upping the ante, looking to pry Britton from Baltimore.
Britton, who is making $11.4 million this season and will be a free agent following the 2018 season, has a 3.32 ERA and eight saves in 19 innings for the Orioles this year. The 29-year-old missed more than two months with forearm issues and has allowed six earned runs in 10 frames (5.40 ERA) since returning.

The Marlins are in active discussions regarding a trade involving right-handed starter Dan Straily, but no agreement is yet close, a source told MLB.com's Jon Paul Morosi on Monday.
According to MLB.com's Joe Frisaro, Miami's asking price to move Straily seems to be high, and the club has no urgency to move the 28-year-old veteran. But things could change as the Deadline approaches.
Straily pitched the Marlins' series finale against the Reds on Sunday and threw six innings of two-run ball. Straily, who is arbitration-eligible after this season and not scheduled to become a free agent until after 2020, has a 3.79 ERA in 22 starts for Miami this season, with 111 strikeouts in 123 1/3 innings.
MLB Network insider Jon Heyman reported on Monday that teams have said the Marlins want to be "overwhelmed" by a prospective Straily offer, and a trade isn't particularly likely.
According to Frisaro, scouts from six teams were in attendance for Sunday's game, although it was unclear if all were there to watch Straily.

Market heating up for Twins' Kintzler
With Justin Wilson moving from the Tigers to the Cubs and Addison Reed on the verge of being dealt by the Mets to the Red Sox, the Twins' Brandon Kintzler could be the next relief domino to fall.
A source told MLB.com's Jon Paul Morosi the Nationals are showing interest in acquiring Minnesota's closer.
ESPN's Jerry Crasnick reports that Minnesota has "fielded a lot of calls on Kintzler" over the past day, and he appears to now be the hottest commodity in the market for relievers. MLB.com's Mark Feinsand also reports increased interest in the 32-year-old righty around the league.
The Twins already parted with veteran starting pitcher Jaime Garcia, having dealt him only a few days after acquiring him from Atlanta, and it's possible Kintzler could be next in line.
A first-time All-Star this year, his eighth in the Majors, Kintzler has racked up 28 saves in 32 opportunities while posting a 2.78 ERA in 45 1/3 innings.
Kintzler should provide a contending club with a solid late-inning option, and he would likely cost less than the Padres' Brad Hand or the Orioles' Zach Britton and Brad Brach. Kintzler will be a free agent after this season.

Asking price for Hand remains steep

 
Brad Hand is one of the best relievers left on the market, and the Padres appear to know it.
Executives from two teams told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand on Monday that the Padres' asking price for their left-handed relief ace continues to be very high and will not drop as other relievers are moved.
According to a report from MLB Network Insider Joel Sherman on Monday, the Padres have told teams interested in Hand that they will either get their asking price or keep the 27-year-old and re-open talks in the off - season -- similar to the A's approach to trade negotiations for Sonny Gray.
Hand, a first-time All-Star in 2017, his second year with the Padres, is under team control and not scheduled to become a free agent until after the '19 season. He will be arbitration-eligible after this year.
Hand has a 2.00 ERA in 49 relief appearances this season, including six saves. He's struck out 70 batters in 54 innings.

The Indians appear poised to make at least one high-impact move prior to today's Trade Deadline, as the defending American League champions eye another late October run.
MLB Network Insider Ken Rosenthal reports the club is still targeting Rangers starter Yu Darvish, despite the Indians being included in the righty's no-trade clause. The team is also reportedly making a run at Orioles closer Zach Britton, according to Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
The Indians were in on Mets reliever Addison Reed, according to Rosenthal, until Reed was reportedly dealt to the Red Sox for three prospects on Monday morning.
Now the Tribe's focus will reportedly shift to Britton as the club looks to add to a bullpen that already leads baseball in relief ERA (2.78).
Darvish would help anyone, and the market is understandably competitive for him despite what's been a down year by his standards. The Indians are one of 10 teams Darvish can block a trade to, complicating matters from Cleveland's end.
Darvish is a free agent after this season, while Britton is arbitration-eligible this offseason and a free agent after next season.

The Astros are showing interest in Cardinals right-hander Lance Lynn, according to MLB.com's Jon Paul Morosi.
Houston has been linked in trade rumors to several starting pitchers, looking to slot in another hurler behind ace Dallas Keuchel and Lance McCullers Jr.
The 30-year-old Lynn missed the 2016 season due to Tommy John surgery, but has been effective in his return. So far this season, he has posted a 3.21 ERA and 1.10 WHIP in 21 starts for St. Louis. His 8.0 K/9 rate is in line with his norm throughout his career.
The Cardinals entered play on Saturday 3 1/2 games behind the Cubs in the NL Central, with a record of 51-52. Lynn is a free agent at the end of the season.

Several big-name relievers remain on the market, led by left-hander Brad Hand, and Zach Britton. But with their Wild Card hopes beginning to slip, the Angels could be dealing some of their trade prospects. Those include a trio of bullpen arms -- Bud Norris, David Hernandez and Yusmeiro Petit -- all of whom are drawing interest from other clubs, according to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand.
All three 32-year-old veterans are on expiring contracts that the Angels are open to moving. Each has excelled for a Los Angeles bullpen that entered Saturday ranked ninth in the Majors with a 3.86 ERA.
Norris has served as the Angels' primary ninth-inning reliever for much of the season. He has a 3.12 ERA with 15 saves through 42 appearances.
Petit has a 2.70 ERA through 36 games serving in a long relief role. Hernandez, meanwhile, has posted a 2.29 ERA in 37 games since he was acquired by L.A. for cash in a trade with the Braves.
Nats, Padres talking

 
The Nationals and Padres have reportedly engaged in trade discussions regarding San Diego reliever Brad Hand, MLB Network's Jon Paul Morosi reported Saturday afternoon.
Washington already made one move to bolster its bullpen, acquiring relievers Sean Doolittle and Ryan Madson from the A's last week. They also dealt for infielder/outfielder Howie Kendrick on Friday.
The Nationals are rumored to still be seeking a true closer. Hand, who owns a 2.00 ERA through 54 innings, could fill that need for a team whose 5.17 bullpen ERA ranks last in the National League.
MLB.com's Mark Feinsand reported earlier Saturday that several teams are showing interest in Hand, but no deals are close. Washington has also been linked to the Orioles' Zach Britton.

The Astros and Dodgers are among the "most serious suitors" for Orioles closer Zach Britton, sources told MLB.com's Jon Paul Morosi on Saturday.
Morosi adds the Dodgers are also in the mix, as also reported by MLB Network insider Ken Rosenthal earlier in the day.
Rosenthal lists the Rangers' Yu Darvish, the Athletics' Sonny Gray and Britton (in no particular order) as the Dodgers top trade targets and notes the club's interest in the three depends on the prices set by their respective clubs.
Britton would give both the Astros and Dodgers, already with the best records in their respective leagues by a wide margin, another wipe out arm in the back of their bullpens.
Britton, a left-hander, would also give both clubs options in the eighth and ninth inning. The Astros could pair Britton with flame-throwing righty Ken Giles and the Dodgers with lights-out closer Kenley Jansen.

The Tigers are not going to trade veteran right-hander Justin Verlander "barring a miracle," sources told MLB Network insider Jon Heyman. The main holdup that will likely keep the former Most Valuable Player in Detroit is his contract, which pays him $28 million per season through 2019, according to Heyman.

He's just Jack

Promise me one thing. Promise that at the end of this you don't feel sorry for Jack Buck.  As square as a pan of corn bread, as American as a red Corvette, Buck has been doing what he loves in the St. Louis Cardinals' radio booth for 47 years, which make him just about the exact center of this country. The last thing he wants is sympathy. Yeah, Buck has Parkinson's disease , which makes his hands tremble and his arms flail. He also has diabetes, which means poking needles into himself twice a day. He also has a pacemaker. And cataracts. And vertigo. And excruciatingly painful sciatica. And a box of pills the size of a toaster. But that only gives him more material to work with.

"I wish I'd get Alzheimer's " he cracks . "Then I could forget I've got all the other stuff ".  Luckily, you can still find the 76 yer old Buck at the mike during every S.Louis home game, broadcasting the Cardinal Nation over more the 100 radio stations in 11 states. Herking and jerking in his seat, his face contorting this way and that, he still send out the most wonderful descriptions of games you've ever heard.

"I've given the Cardinals the best years of my life " , Buck says. "Now I'm giving them giving them the worst".
That's a lie.  Despite enough diseases to kill a moose, Buck has gotten even better lately. "I have no idea how ",says his son and radio partner, Joe, "but his voice has been stronger lately. It's like he's pouring every ounce of energy God can give him into those three hours of the broaddcast.

This is a man who is coming up on his 10,000 game broadcast. ; who was in the stands the day that Joe DiMaggio's 56 game hitting streak ended; who called Stan Musial five home run doubleheader; who ate dinner with Rocky Marciano in Havana; whom Jesse Owens called friend ;who survived he ice bowl and 16 years in the booth with Harry Caray.

 I would eat a bathtub full of rubber chicken just to hear him emcee a banquet .  I would pay good money to listen to Jack call a game.

John Francis "Jack" Buck (August 21, 1924 – June 18, 2002) was an American sportscaster, best known for his work announcing Major League Baseball games of the St. Louis Cardinals. His play-by-play work earned him recognition from numerous Halls of Fame, such as the National Baseball Hall of Fame, the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and the National Radio Hall of Fame. He has also been inducted as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame Museum.
Buck was born in Holyoke, Massachusetts but moved to the Cleveland, Ohio area with his family in 1939. After graduating from high school, he worked on large shipping boats that traveled the Great Lakes. Buck was drafted into the United States Army in June 1943 and later was awarded a Purple Heart as part of his service. After completion of his military service in 1946, Buck enrolled at (and graduated from) Ohio State University. His early sportscasting career included work for the minor league affiliates of the St. Louis Cardinals. In 1954, Buck was promoted to radio play-by-play of Cardinal games on KMOX, a position that he maintained for nearly all of the next 47 years. He was known in St. Louis for his trademark phrase "That's a winner!", which was said after every game that the Cardinals had won.
In addition to his work with the Cardinals, Buck also earned assignments on many national sportscasts, including radio coverage of 18 Super Bowls and 11 World Series. Some of his famous play-by-play calls include the dramatic walk-off home runs hit by Ozzie Smith in Game 5 of the 1985 National League Championship Series, by Kirk Gibson in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series, and by Kirby Puckett in Game 6 of the 1991 World Series. In the final years of his life, Buck also became recognized for writing poetry, culminating in national attention for his poem "For America", written after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The later part of his career found him working side-by-side in the Cardinals booth with his son Joe Buck, who also has risen to national sportscasting prominence.

Top 10 prospects

1. Amed Rosario, SS New York Mets
2017 stats: 93 G, .329/.367/.465, 65 R, 18 2B, 7 3B, 7 HR, 57 RBI, 22 BB, 66 K, 17 SB at Triple-A Las Vegas.

If you don’t think Rosario should be the top overall fantasy prospect for the rest of 2017, I actually agree with you. He should have been called up a long time ago. The Mets aren’t even close to playoff contention, and Asdrubal Cabrera was held out of the lineup on Sunday with an injury. It’s time, Mets. It’s been time.

2. Dominic Smith, 1B, New York Mets
2017 stats: 104 G, .341/.394/.530, 73 R, 32 2B, 1 3B, 15 HR, 69 RBI, 34 BB, 74 SO at Triple-A Las Vegas.

Step one -- and it was the biggest step, really -- is complete. Lucas Duda has been shipped to the Rays, opening up a clear spot for Smith to play every day at first base. Now the question is, do the Mets recognize this, or will they go with Jay Bruce and a utility player to fill the cold corner? My guess is the latter, but with how they’ve treated Rosario, it’s not a lock. Either way, you should be ready to pick him up in every fantasy format.


 



3. Ryan McMahon, IF, Colorado Rockies
2017 stats: 98 G, .362/.405/.600, 64 R, 36 2B, 3 3B, 17 HR, 77 RBI, 32 BB, 74 K, 11 SB at Double-A Hartford and Triple-A Albuquerque.

Welcome to the list, Mr. McMahon. It should be fairly obvious why McMahon is in the top 10 now, but if you’re still wondering why, look at those numbers again. Yes, they were in friendly confines, but McMahon can flat-out swing the bat. There’s plus power in his left-handed bat, and his smooth swing makes hard contact all over the field. The question is where he’ll play if or when he gets the call; Third base might be his most natural position, but that position is definitely full. Whether at second base or even first, McMahon can put up numbers that make him fantasy-relevant.

 









4. Ozzie Albies, 2B, Atlanta Braves
2017 stats: 90 G, .286/.332/.443, 66 R, 21 2B, 8 3B, 9 HR, 41 RBI, 28 BB, 89 K, 21 SB at Triple-A Gwinnett.

If this was just a list of top prospects, Albies would be higher than this. Two spots higher than this, in fact. I keep him out of the top three, however, because it’s no longer a foregone conclusion that he’ll make his debut in 2017. The Braves aren’t going to be playing in October, but Brandon Phillips is still playing at a decent level, and it doesn’t make a lot of sense to call up Albies if he isn’t playing every day. There’s a lot to like here because of the speed and hitting talent, but you may not get to see it at the highest level until 2018.

5. Brent Honeywell, RHP, Tampa Bay Rays
2017 stats: 20 G, 3.82 ERA, 56 R 108.1 IP, 103 H, 10 HR, 31 BB, 141 K at Double-A Montgomery and Triple-A Durham.

Coming off a dominating performance, Honeywell wasn’t quite as good against Lehigh Valley, but still showed flashes of brilliance. He gave up one run in six innings of work, and he walked just two and struck out six. Tampa Bay recently called up Austin Pruitt to make a start against New York. Brent Honeywell is a lot better than Austin Pruitt. We should see Honeywell in the rotation before the end of August, if not sooner.

6. Rhys Hoskins, 1B, Philadelphia Phillies
2017 stats: 106 G, .281/.384/.559, 73 R, 22 2B, 4 3B, 24 HR, 78 RBI, 59 BB, 69 K, 3 SB at Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

After a less than successful previous couple of weeks, Hoskins is doing what he does best again: getting on base and hitting for power. His OBP has risen nearly 13 points in the last 10 days, and he hit two dingers this week. Maybe most impressive of all is that walk to strikeout ratio; you just don’t see that very often in power hitters. If he can keep that up in the big-leagues? Look out.

7. Reynaldo Lopez, RHP, Chicago White Sox
2017 stats: 20 G, 3.65 ERA, 111 IP, 94 H, 13 HR, 42 BB, 117 K at Triple-A Charlotte.

Lopez has been missing bats at an elite level lately, and that continued in his start on Wednesday against Colorado Springs. He went only five innings, but he was able to strikeout 10 in those innings while giving up just two runs. Since his slow start he’s been as good as any pitcher in the White Sox system outside of Michael Kopech. The White Sox stink, and they should give Lopez a shot sooner than later.

8. Ronald Acuna, OF, Atlanta Braves
2017 stats: 103 G, .310/.365/.517, 63 R, 22 2B, 7 3B, 16 HR, 59 RBI, 34 BB, 112 K, 34 SB at High-A Florida, Double-A Mississippi, and Triple-A Gwinnett.

 

Let’s be honest: This would all be very impressive if Acuna was 24 and had a great deal of experience. The fact that he’s still a teenager is just delicious icing on a delicious cake. Acuna has one of the best power/speed combinations of any outfielder in Triple-A right now, and even if his call-up is less than a 50/50 proposition right now, there’s no way he isn’t one of the 10 best fantasy prospects for this year. He’s just too good.

 9. Alex Verdugo, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers
2017 stats: 92 G, .326/.398/.445, 60 R, 22 2B, 4 3B, 4 HR, 53 RBI, 42 BB, 37 K, 8 SB at Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Two newcomers this week, and there’s another one coming. Sorry for the spoiler. Verdugo has been one of the best performers in the PCL this year, showing plus hitting talent and excellent hand-eye coordination that limits the strikeouts. He hasn’t shown it this year, but there is power in his bat, and he’s certainly strong enough to put the ball into the gaps and use his average speed. The real question right now is where Verdugo will play when he gets the call, but even in a part-time role, Verdugo can really help because of his hitting talent.

10. Jeimer Candelario, 3B, Chicago Cubs
2017 stats: 81 G, .266/.361/.507, 39 R, 27 2B, 3 3B, 12 HR, 52 RBI, 41 BB, 72 K, 0 SB at Triple-A Iowa.

You’ll notice it says Cubs here, but there’s a strong chance that when you read this Candelario will be a member of the Tigers organization, and that’s why he makes the top 10. He was obviously blocked as a member of the Cubs -- that Kris Bryant just might make it -- and while Nick Castellanos isn’t atrocious, he shouldn’t be a huge block for Candelario. He has a quality approach at the plate, and he’s begun to tap into his solid-average power. He’s not a future star, but he should be a solid regular who is ready to face big-league pitching.

Also considered: Willy Adames, SS, Tampa Bay Rays; Austin Meadows, OF, Pittsburgh Pirates; Chance Adams, RHP, New York Yankees; Franklin Barreto, SS, Oakland Athletics; Willie Calhoun, 2B, Los Angeles Dodgers

Winning Streaks

A pair of teams in the American League Central extended massive winning streaks on Friday.

The Royals utilized a brilliant pitching performance from Jason Vargas who surrendered just one run on five hits over his six innings of work to beat the Red Sox and extend their winning streak to nine games. The victory was the 13^th of the season for the veteran southpaw who is now tied with Chris Sale for the league-lead in wins.

Mike Moustakas carried the weight on offense, clubbing a three-run homer off of Rick Porcello in the fourth inning. The long ball was the 30^th on the season for the hard-hitting third baseman who became the fastest player in club  history to reach the 30-homer mark.
Rather than dealing away most of their impending free agents prior to the trade deadline, it looks like the Royals have no choice but to keep the gang together for one final run at the World Series. That means Moustakas, Lorenzo Cain, Kelvin Herrera, Eric Hosmer and other popular trade commodities are likely to remain in Kansas City for the remainder of the season.

With the victory, the Royals improve to 54-47 on the season. That puts them in sole possession of the American League Wild Card should the season end today. It also keeps pace with the division-leading Indians who extended their own winning streak to eight games on Friday with a victory over the White Sox.

Jose Ramirez did most of the heavy lifting for the Tribe in that victory, going 4-for-5 with a homer, four runs scored and three RBI. The homer was his 18^th of the season.

Danny Salazar delivered his second straight outstanding start since returning from the disabled list, punching out eight over six-plus innings of two-run ball in the victory.

In getting hot at the right time, the Indians have been able to withstand this charge from the Royals and maintain their lead in the American League Central.

They don't appear to be content just sitting idle at the trade deadline however. Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post Dispatch reported on Friday that the Indians have expressed interest in Cardinals' outfielders Randal Grichuk and Tommy Pham. Either hitter would represent a nice upgrade to the Tribe's outfield that has struggled to find consistency since Lonnie Chisenhall went on the disabled list.

The Indians and Royals still have 10 games left to play against one another this season. That means that the top spot in the division is likely to be decided in a head-to-head battle between these two squads. May the best team win.

Prior to Friday, it remained unclear if the Orioles were going to be buyers or sellers as the trade deadline approached. With a loss to the Rangers, the O’s sit 6 ½ games out of the Wild Card race in the American League. Selling off the farm to make major changes at this point in the season doesn’t seem prudent.

What does seem like a wise investment though, would be to part with a marginal prospect in order to pick up a veteran on an expiring contract. The O’s did exactly that on Friday, acquiring right-hander Jeremy Hellickson from the Phillies to bolster a starting rotation that has been downright dreadful as a unit this season. Hellickson is an impending free agent after the season and the Phillies will pick up some of the $6 million that’s left on his contract this season.

He immediately jumps to the top of an Orioles’ rotation that owns an American League worst 5.90 ERA and 1.61 WHIP as a unit this season. Dylan Bundy (4.53) is the only O’s starter with a sub-5.00 ERA on the year.

In return for Hellickson, the Orioles sent outfielder Hyun Soo Kim and minor league left-hander Garrett Cleavinger to the Phillies. Kim, a part-time 29-year-old outfielder, was hitting just .232/.305/.288 with one homer and 10 RBI in 142 plate appearances this season.

Despite this move, the Orioles could still part with a bullpen piece or two prior to Monday’s deadline as the trade market for quality relief pitching looks very attractive. That means any or all of Zach Britton, Brad Brach and Darren O’Day could still be on the move come August.


Nationals acquire Howie Kendrick

The Nationals had already upgraded one of the biggest issues on their team with a deal for A’s relievers Sean Doolittle and Ryan Madson last week.

On Friday, they made another shrewd move, picking up Howie Kendrick in a deal with the Phillies for left-handed pitching prospect McKenzie Mills.

Mills ranked as the 24^th best prospect in the Phillies’ organization according to MLBPipeline.com. He has had a breakthrough season at Class-A Hagerstown, compiling a 12-2 record, 3.01 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 118/22 K/BB ratio across 104 2/3 innings.

In Kendrick, the Nationals add a potent bat with the versatility to play multiple positions in the infield and outfield. The 34-year-old was hitting .340/.397/.454 with two homers, 16 RBI and eight stolen bases in 156 plate appearances on the season.

Kendrick will see most of his playing time, at least initially, in left field for the Nationals. The Nats have been hit hard by injuries in the outfield, with Jayson Werth, Michael Taylor, Chris Heisey and Ryan Raburn among those currently on the disabled list.

When the club is back to full strength, he’ll provide a very valuable right-handed bat off the bench.


Closer of the Future

The Mets made a bit of an interesting move themselves on Friday, acquiring Marlins’ closer A.J. Ramos for prospects Merandy Gonzalez and outfielder Ricardo Cespedes.

While the club isn’t in contention this season, Ramos is the type of player that can help them next season as well as he’s under contract through 2018.

With closer Addison Reed likely to be moved before the trade deadline, it sounds as though Ramos will immediately take over as the top ninth-inning option in New York. The 30-year-old hurler has racked up 92 saves over the past three seasons while compiling a 2.79 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 207/83 K/BB ratio.

With Ramos now out of the picture in Miami, Junichi Tazawa is expected to take over in the ninth inning, at least on an interim basis. He’s unowned in the majority of fantasy formats and could make for an interesting option down the stretch.



American League Quick Hits: David Price returned to the disabled list on Friday with what is being described as left elbow inflammation. The Red Sox expect him to return before the end of the regular season… The Rays acquired Steve Cishek from the Mariners for Erasmo Ramirez… Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports that the White Sox have received some trade interest in struggling southpaw Derek Holland… Astros’ slugger George Springer landed on the disabled list with left quad discomfort… Logan Morrison sat out Friday’s game due to a bruised left heel… Troy Tulowitzki was forced to leave Friday’s game with an injured ankle… Aaron Judge crushed his 33^rd home run of the season as the Yankees dispatched of the Rays… Masahiro Tanaka fanned a career-high 14 batters over eight innings of one-run ball in a victory over the Rays… Eduardo Nunez went 2-for-3 with a walk in his Red Sox’ debut… Mike Moustakas crushed his 30^th home run in a victory over the Red Sox… Josh Reddick clubbed a go-ahead three-run homer in the eighth to eventually beat the Tigers… Jaime Garcia was victorious in his Twins’ debut, striking out seven over 6 2/3 innings of three-run baseball… Andrew Cashner fired seven innings of one-run ball to beat the Orioles… Adrian Beltre went 2-for-4 with a pair of RBI in a win over the Orioles. He now sits just two hits shy of 3000 for his big league career.


National League Quick Hits: Jerry Crasnick of ESPN reported that the Braves are listening to trade offers on closer Jim Johnson… Martin Prado underwent successful surgery on his right knee and is expected to miss 3-5 weeks…  Ian Desmond officially landed on the 10-day disabled list with a strained right calf… Friday’s game between the Rockies and Nationals was postponed due to rain. It’ll be made up as part of a doubleheader on Sunday… Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports that the Cardinals have had discussions with the Royals about Lance Lynn…The Dodgers picked up Luke Farrell from the Royals for cash considerations… Jake Lamb sat out Friday’s game due to general soreness after falling into the stands on Thursday… Brandon Belt was held out of Friday’s lineup due to an aggravation of his prior wrist injury…. Matt Kemp was lifted from Friday’s game against the Phillies due to a strained right hamstring… Aaron Altherr homered twice as the Phillies routed the Rays… J.T. Realmuto continued his hot hitting, going 3-for-4 with a homer in a win over the Reds… Jose Quintana suffered his first defeat as a member of the Cubs, allowing two runs on four hits over six innings of two-run baseball against the Brewers… Brent Suter fired seven shutout inning in order to beat the Cubs… Corey Seager homered twice and plated three runs, leading the Dodgers past the Giants… Trevor Rosenthal converted a six-out save against the D’Backs, preserving a victory for Michael Wacha who had fired six shutout innings… Michael Conforto clubbed a pair of solo home runs, leading the Mets to victory over the Mariners… Robbie Ray was involved in a scary incident on Friday as he was forced to leave his start against the Cardinals after getting drilled in the head by a line drive off the bat of Luke Voit. Ray remained conscious through the ordeal and a CT scan came back normal on Friday night. He’ll remain in the concussion protocol and it remains unclear when he’ll make his next start for the Diamondbacks.