Marlins trade reliever Ziegler to Diamondbacks
Just hours before the Major League Baseball trade deadline, the Miami Marlins shipped veteran reliever Brad Ziegler to Arizona.
The Marlins will get 24-yearold pitcher Tommy Eveld in return for Ziegler. A Coral Springs, Fla., native, Eveld was recently promoted to Double-A Jackson after making 32 appearances this season for Single-A Visalia. During that time, the right-handed reliever notched a 1.24 ERA and was 10-12 in save opportunities. The six-foot-five pitcher previously played college baseball at the University of South Florida.
Ziegler spent six seasons with the Diamondbacks from 2011-16.
An impending free agent, the 38-year-old right-hander made 52 appearances, recording a 1-5 record with 10 saves, a 3.98 ERA and 1.27 WHIP. Since June 5, though, Ziegler has been among the best relievers in baseball, posting a 0.64 ERA in 28 appearances.
Known for his unique submarine-style windup, Ziegler provides extra bullpen depth for a Diamondbacks team that’s a half-game behind the Dodgers in the NL West race. He is no stranger to trade-deadline moves. In 2011, he was shipped from Oakland to Arizona for the stretch run and then acquired by the Red Sox in July 2016.
Since being pulled from the closer role, Ziegler has been a reliable presence for the Marlins’ young bullpen. In his past 27 2/3 innings, he’s allowed just two earned runs. On Sunday, he pitched a perfect eighth inning in the team’s win over Washington.
Ziegler has made 710 career appearances, recording a lifetime 2.72 ERA and 105 saves with the Athletics, Diamondbacks, Red Sox and Marlins.
Off the mound, Ziegler has consistently supported United States military servicemen and women during his career. In 2010, he created Pastime for Patriots — a foundation that provides MLB tickets to military members and their families.
Before Saturday night’s game, Ziegler was honoured as a Bob Feller Act of Valor nominee — an award named after the Hall of Fame pitcher who became the first MLB player to enlist in the armed forces after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.