Padres acquire slugger Moreland from Red Sox
The San Diego Padres made another big move to try and end their playoff drought, acquiring slugger Mitch Moreland in a trade Sunday with Boston.
The Padres haven’t been to the postseason since 2006. They currently have the second- most wins in the NL, trailing only division rival Los Angeles.
Moreland adds even more power to an already potent San Diego lineup. On top of that, he brings big- game experience. He’s been in the postseason in seven of his past 10 seasons.
“Being able to add his makeup, character, that will blend in really well into this clubhouse,” Padres manager Jayce Tingler said. “There’s a positive buzz, energy going around.”
As part of the deal, the Red Sox acquired a pair of prospects from San Diego, outfielder Jeisson Rosario and infielder Hudson Potts.
It’s the second straight day the Padres have made a splashy move. Saturday, they bolstered their bullpen by acquiring Trevor Rosenthal in a trade with Kansas City.
Asked if general manager A. J. Preller might be done, Tingler responded: “I would say we’ll wait and see. .. He doesn’t sleep and he’s relentless.”
Moreland, who turns 35 on Sept. 6, was leading the Red Sox with eight homers, 21 RBIs and a .328 batting average. He’s made 19 starts at first base this season and three more as a designated hitter.
• Seattle and San Diego completed a seven- player trade Sunday night, with catcher Austin Nola joining the contending Padres and prized outfield prospect Taylor Trammel going to the Mariners as centerpieces of the deal.
Seattle sent Nola and righthanded relievers Austin Adams and Dan Altavilla to the Padres, while Trammell led a list of youngsters headed back to the Mariners. Also going to Seattle is infielder Ty France, catcher Luis Torres and reliever Andres Muñoz.
Nola is hitting .306 with five home runs and 19 RBIs in 29 games.
Pitching- desperate Braves acquire Milone from Orioles.
ATLANTA » Desperate for starting pitching as they pursue a third straight NL East title, the Atlanta Braves acquired left- hander Tommy Milone from the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday for two players to be named.
The division- leading Braves have struggled to put together a rotation behind Max Fried, who is 5- 0 with a 1.35 ERA.
Ian Anderson, who pitched onehit ball over six innings in his major league debut last week, is the only other Atlanta starter to earn a win this season.
Cubs acquire 1B/ OF Martínez in trade with Rays.
CINCINNATI » The Chicago Cubs acquired José Martínez in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday, giving manager David Ross another option at designated hitter.
The 32- year- old Martínez is a .294 hitter with 43 homers and 182 RBIs in 422 major league games. He debuted with St. Louis in 2016 and spent four years with the Cardinals before he was traded to the Rays in January.
A’s announce positive virus test. HOUSTON » A member of the Oakland Athletics organization tested positive for the coronavirus, causing the league to postpone the team’s game Sunday against the Houston Astros.
The finale of the A’s three- game series at Minute Maid Park was called off less than four hours before the scheduled first pitch.