Beefed up birds
Papelbon goes to Nationals, Royals get Zobrist as well
Toronto adds pop to already strong lineup with deal for Troy Tulowitzki.
It appeared the Toronto Blue Jays needed to add starting pitching to help their playoff push. Instead, they traded for a star shortstop. General manager Alex
Anthopoulos said acquiring five-time All-Star Troy
Tulowitzki from the Colorado Rockies early Tuesday morning was “the rare chance that one of the best at his position was available.”
“We’re getting the best shortstop in baseball in our minds,” Anthopoulos said. “We’re just thrilled.”
The Blue Jays also obtained reliever LaTroy
Hawkins from the Rockies for shortstop Jose Reyes and minor league righthanders Miguel Castro, Jeff Hoffman and Jesus Tinoco.
Toronto (50-50) began Tuesday night tied for second in the AL East, seven games behind the New York Yankees. The Blue Jays led baseball with 528 runs, but their starters have a 4.38 ERA, third worst in the AL.
“Getting better doesn’t have to mean a reliever or a starter,” Anthopoulos said.
“When you have a chance to get the best player at a respective position and a guy that also brings some intangibles as well, it’s a rare opportunity and we wanted to take advantage of it.”
Toronto has not reached the playoffs since winning the 1993 World Series — the longest drought of any major league team.
Asked if Tulowitzki’s offensive and defensive contributions would be enough to end Toronto’s postseason skid without an upgrade to the rotation, Anthopoulos said he could’t answer until after the Friday non-waiver trade deadline.
“You can save that one for Friday,” he said.
“Hopefully, we’re not having that discussion.”
Hawkins, who already has announced his intention to retire at the end of the season, took Reyes’ spot on the roster for the game against Philadelphia. He was owed $848,361 of his $2.25 million contract for 2015. Tulowitzki had yet to arrive in Toronto and will be added to the roster today.
Tulowitzki was owed about $105 million as part of the $157.75 million he was due from the Rockies over 10 years through 2020.
Papelbon to Nationals
Philadelphia traded AllStar closer Jonathan Papelbon to Washington. Papelbon is Philadelphia’s career saves leader with 123 and is 17 for 17 in save chances this season. He also is Boston’s saves leader with 219. The Phillies will receive Class AA right-hander Nick Pivetta for Papelbon.
Royals land Zobrist
The Royals made another addition for the stretch run, acquiring versatile Ben Zobrist and nearly $2.6 million from Oakland for righthander Aaron Brooks and minor league left-hander Sean Manaea. Zobrist, 34, who can play all infield and outfield positions, batted .268 with six home runs and 33 RBIs in 67 games for the A’s, who are in last place in the AL West after three consecutive playoff seasons. He joins a team that leads the AL in wins and also added starter Johnny Cueto.