White Sox keep dealing, send Swarzak to Brewers
WASHINGTON » The Milwaukee Brewers bolstered their bullpen on Wednesday, acquiring reliever Anthony Swarzak in a trade with the Chicago White Sox.
The 31-year-old Swarzak is 4-3 with a career-low 2.23 ERA in 41 games this year. The right-hander got four outs for his first career save in Chicago’s 3-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Monday.
The Brewers are fighting for the NL Central lead.
The rebuilding White Sox got minor league outfielder Ryan Cordell in the trade. The 25-year-old Cordell, an 11th-round draft pick by Texas in 2013, is batting .284 with 10 homers and 45 RBIs in 68 games with Triple-A with the Cubs Colorado Springs this year.
“We feel we picked up another interesting prospect in Ryan,” Chicago general manager Rick Hahn said. “Scouts are very enthusiastic about his ability, his diverse skillset. He’s got some power, some speed, some versatility on the field, can play all three outfield positions, does have a history of playing some third base as recently as this year.”
AL-worst Chicago has been one of the majors’ most active teams ahead of the July 31 non-waiver deadline. It traded Jose Quintana to the crosstown Cubs and shipped infielder Todd Frazier and relievers David Robertson and Tommy Kahnle to the Yankees.
Giants trade Nunez to Red Sox
SAN FRANCISCO >> Infielder Eduardo Nunez was traded from the San Francisco Giants to the Boston Red Sox for minor league righthanders Shaun Anderson and Gregory Santos.
The deal was finalized during San Francisco’s 11-3 win over Pittsburgh late Tuesday and announced after the game.
“It’s exciting,” Nunez said while standing outside of manager Bruce Bochy’s office. “You’re going to go (play) for a championship. That’s why we’re here. That’s the focus right now.”
Nunez started at third base, hit a two-run double and scored twice before he was removed for a pinch hitter in the fifth inning. The infielder, who was hit by a pitch on the left elbow earlier in the game, was shown on television shaking hands with teammates in the Giants’ clubhouse.
The 30-year-old hit .308 in 76 games with San Francisco this season and has reached base safely in 40 of his last 42 games.
White Sox’s Garcia sidelined
CHICAGO » White Sox outfielder Avisail Garcia has a right thumb injury that will sideline the All-Star slugger for a couple weeks.
Garcia complained of continued discomfort in his thumb after the White Sox lost 7-2 to the Cubs on Tuesday. He got an MRI on Wednesday that revealed a strained ligament.
The 26-year-old Garcia has been one of Chicago’s bright spots during a difficult season. He is batting .303 with 13 homers and 54 RBIs in 88 games.