Greinke deal gives Astros another ace
The Astros acquired ace Zack Greinke on Wednesday, adding another All-Star to a formidable rotation that already included Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole.
The AL West leaders got Greinke in a startling trade with the Diamondbacks for four minorleaguers. It came right before the deadline to complete deals to have players eligible for the postseason.
“We are just really shocked and ecstatic,” Cole said before the team played in Cleveland, adding, “I’m really proud to be an Astro.”
Cole said when the players learned of the deal, there was “a lot of hooting and hollering at 4:07. We are ecstatic. We’re getting a Hall of Fame pitcher, a craftsman.”
Greinke pitched five innings earlier in the day in the Diamondbacks’ 7-5 loss at Yankee Stadium, giving up two runs. He is 10-4 with a 2.90 ERA this season. Greinke, 35, left the ballpark without commenting to reporters. The Diamondbacks agreed to pay the Astros $26 million to cover much of the roughly $76 million that Greinke is due.
The Diamondbacks acquired right-hander Mike Leake in a trade with the Mariners. The Diamondbacks gave up minor-league infielder Jose Caballero and agreed to pay the Mariners nearly $19 million to cover most of the $25 million Leake is owed in his five-year, $80 million contract.
Giants hang on to Bumgarner
Big left-hander Madison Bumgarner stayed with the Giants, who determined their bullpen depth provided them the best place to make trades before the deadline.
The Giants traded left-hander Drew Pomeranz and righty Ray Black to the Brewers for infield prospect Mauricio Dubon. They also dealt former closer Mark Melancon to the Braves, reliever Sam Dyson to the Twins and minor-league lefty Jacob Lopez to the Rays.
Until the Giants began winning recently, there had been thoughts Bumgarner would be on the trading block. But the free-agent-to-be isn’t going anywhere as the team tries to contend in manager Bruce Bochy’s final season before retirement.
Reds send Gennett to Giants
The Reds traded 2018 All-Star second baseman Scooter Gennett to the Giants for a player to be named. The Reds will send $2.15 million to cover much of the $3,153,226 left on Gennett’s $9,775,000 salary.
Rays get Brewers’ Aguilar
The Rays acquired Brewers slugger Jesus Aguilar for right-handed reliever Jake Faria in their biggest of three moves.
Pirates deal Dickerson to Phils
The Phillies acquired Pirates outfielder Corey Dickerson for a player to be named and $250,000 in international signing money.
Braves bolster bullpen
The Braves picked up closer Shane Green from the Tigers in addition to the Giants’ Melancon.