Yankees trade for Gray; Dodgers acquire Darvish

Yu Darvish and Sonny Gray headed a parade of prized arms on the move Monday, leaving little doubt on trade deadline day: Top teams made a big pitch for the playoffs.

All-star Brandon Kintzler, a Palo Verde High product, was among the many relievers swapped before the cutoff, goimg to the Washington Nationals. There were 14 deals involving major leaguers — all six division leaders got someone new.

“We’re trying to go from good to great,” New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said.

The Yankees bolstered their rotation by getting Gray from Oakland for three minor leaguers. That swap came a day after the American League East leaders acquired starter Jaime Garcia from Minnesota.

The Los Angeles Dodgers, owners of the best record in the majors and the top payroll, gave up three minor leaguers for Darvish. The Texas ace will join three-time Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw, currently on the disabled list, as the Dodgers try to reach the World Series for the first time since their 1988 title.

“We’re not going to be lining up our playoff rotation quite yet,” general manager Farhan Zaidi said.

Los Angeles also added relievers Tony Watson from Pittsburgh and Tony Cingrani from Cincinnati.

A few stars mentioned in trade speculation stayed put — Orioles closer Zach Britton, Detroit starter Justin Verlander and San Diego reliever Brad Hand, among them.