D’Backs get All-Star Martinez from Tigers
KANSAS CITY, MO. » The Arizona Diamondbacks have acquired star outfielder J.D. Martinez from the Detroit Tigers for a package of prospects, hoping to solidify a trouble spot while making a run toward the playoffs.
Detroit received Double-A infielder Dawel Lugo, switch-hitting infield prospect Sergio Alcantara and shortstop Jose King in the deal Tuesday. Lugo is regarded as the Diamondbacks’ No. 2 overall prospect.
Martinez has been the subject of trade rumors for weeks as the Tigers slid from contention. Even his mom texted to ask if he’d been traded when he left Monday night’s game in Kansas City with a sore back.
He was in the initial starting lineup Tuesday against the Royals before getting scratched when the trade was announced. The 29-year-old Martinez is hitting .305 with 16 home runs and 39 RBIs.
Arizona began the day holding the top spot in the NL wild-card race despite problems in left field this season. The Diamondbacks trailed NL West-leading Los Angeles by 10 ½ games.
HOUSTON » All-Star shortstop Carlos Correa of the Houston Astros is expected to miss 6-8 weeks with a torn ligament in his left thumb.
The Astros put Correa on the 10-day disabled list Tuesday and recalled Colin Moran from Triple A Fresno in time for an evening game against Seattle. Houston general manager Jeff Luhnow said losing Correa was a “big blow,” but he is expected back for the stretch run in September. Houston opened the day 15 ½ games ahead of the Mariners in the AL West.
Correa is batting .320 with 18 doubles and 20 home runs, and his 67 RBIs are second in the American League. He was injured Monday night after jamming his thumb on a swing.