ACE TRADED JUSTIN TIME
Verlander to ’Stros right on deadline
With a minute to spare before the 11:59 Aug. 31 trade deadline, the Detroit Tigers traded ace Justin Verlander to the Houston Astros, according to multiple reports.
Originally it appeared the deal was going to be nixed because Verlander had vetoed it, according to The Detroit News. But it was completed right under the wire, sending three top prospects to the Tigers.
Verlander was a 2011 Cy Young winner and a six-time All Star while compiling 183 wins in 13 years in Detroit. He now joins a Houston team atop the AL West that was looking to solidify its starting rotation for a deep playoff push. traded for Braves infielder Brandon Phillips. Phillips is likely to play second base for the Angels, who are struggling at the position. The three-time All-Star is a four-time Gold Glove winner joining a solid defensive team. The Braves got minor-league catcher Tony Sanchez.
The Angels also allowed Cameron Maybin to leave on a waiver claim by the Houston Astros, clearing the way for Upton to take over in left field.
The 30-year-old Upton is having a strong season for the struggling Tigers, batting .279 with 28 homers and 94 RBIs.
He represents an immediate upgrade in left field for the Angels (69-65), who are still fighting for a playoff spot despite several major injuries to their pitching staff and one of the AL’s least potent lineups.
The four-time All-Star signed a sixyear, $132.75 million deal to join Detroit before last season. Detroit agreed to pay the Angels $747,951 to cover a portion of the $3,747,951 remaining in Upton’s $22,125,000 salary this year.
His deal includes four more seasons at the same salary, but he can opt out after the World Series and become a free agent.
The Angels sent minor-league pitcher Grayson Long to Detroit, which also gets cash considerations or a player to be named. Long was among the Angels’ better prospects after posting a 2.52 ERA in 23 Double-A starts this season.
But the Angels clearly want to push for just their second playoff appearance since 2009. Los Angeles began the day one game behind Minnesota (69-63) for the second AL wild card spot.
Despite the stellar production of twotime AL MVP Mike Trout, the Angels are 12th in the league in runs (584) and 15th in OPS (.713).
Upton likely would have been near the top of the Angels’ free-agent shopping list even if they hadn’t swung the trade, so the move essentially gives Los Angeles a head start on its offseason plans.