Contenders add punch, pitching for stretch drive
Andrew Mccutchen is shaving his beard for a possible World Series run. Ryan Madson is switching bullpens, trying to help another team win a title. And Josh Donaldson is hoping he’s healthy enough to contribute.
The Milwaukee Brewers? They were a busy bunch, swinging trades to get starter Gio Gonzalez, outfielder Curtis Granderson and reliever Xavier Cedeno.
Several contending teams swung into action Friday, making trades to bolster potential playoff rosters. A player must be on a club by Aug. 31 to be eligible for the postseason.
All three of the Milwaukee trades were for minor leaguers. So, too, were the swaps that sent Donaldson from Toronto to Cleveland, Madson from Washington to the Dodgers and Mccutchen from San Francisco to the Yankees.
The Indians’ trade for Donaldson might’ve been the day’s most intriguing. Cleveland is running away with the American League Central, but it’s not certain how Donaldson, a third baseman who was the 2015 AL MVP, might be used.
Donaldson, 32, hasn’t played in the majors since May 28 because of a strained calf and began a minor league rehabilitation assignment only this week. When he’s healthy, he’s fiery and fearsome.
Gonzalez, 32, simply shifted clubhouses and changed from a Nationals uniform into a Brewers sweatshirt and hat. The lefthander is 7-11 with a 4.57 ERA in 27 starts this season.
Granderson, 37, is batting .245 with 11 home runs and 35 RBIS in 104 games this season. He has reached the playoffs with four teams — Detroit, the New York Yankees, the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Mccutchen, 31, one of several players to pass through waivers after the July 31 trade deadline, was sent from San Francisco to the New York Yankees for two minor leaguers.
The 2013 National League MVP was hitting .255 with 15 home runs, 55 RBIS and 13 stolen bases for the Giants. Mccutchen will take over in right field — that was slugger Aaron Judge’s spot in the Bronx, but he hasn’t swung a bat since a fastball broke his wrist five weeks ago.
The Dodgers, having seen closer Kenley Jansen wobble since coming off the disabled list, got Madson from the Nationals for a minor league pitcher.