Bauer, Puig involved in three-team trade
The Indians are sending right-hander Trevor Bauer, who was fined for throwing a ball over the center-field wall in frustration before being lifted Sunday, to the Reds and will get outfielders Yasiel Puig and Franmil Reyes as part of a three-team deal that includes the Padres, according to ESPN.
The Indians also will receive left-hander Logan Allen and minor-league infielder Victor Nova from the Padres and minor-league pitcher Scott Moss from the Reds. Cincinnati outfield prospect Taylor Trammell will head to San Diego.
Puig, who came to the Reds in a December trade with the Dodgers, was still in the game Tuesday against the Pirates as reports of the three-team trade surfaced. He ended his short stint in Cincinnati with a bang when he was involved in a benchesclearing brawl in the ninth inning and was among eight who were ejected in an 11-4 Pirates win.
Bauer, who is 9-8 with a 3.79 ERA and 185 strikeouts, has shown some inconsistencies after a breakout 2018 season in which he made his first All-Star team.
Braves acquire Martin to bolster bullpen
The Braves acquired reliever Chris Martin from the Rangers for minor-league pitcher Kolby Allard. Martin was 0-2 with four saves and a 3.08 ERA in 38 appearances. The 33-year-old righthander has allowed only three earned runs in his last 19 games, since May 24.
Verlander fans 13 in Astros’ win over Indians
Justin Verlander struck out 13 to reach double figures for the third consecutive start and sixth time this season, leading the Astros over the Indians 2-0. In a matchup of All-Stars, Verlander (14-4) outpitched Shane Bieber and won his fourth consecutive start, tying the Nationals’ Stephen Strasburg for the major-league lead in wins.
Pirates suspend bullpen coach two games
The Pirates suspended bullpen coach Euclides Rojas for two games because of what it termed a contract violation, the team’s second suspension this month involving the bullpen.