15 swaps on deadline day
Dozier, Archer among big names on the move, Mariners and Blue Jays also active with trades
For Brian Dozier, getting traded meant a dash to the airport and a long trip to Dodger Stadium.
For Jake Diekman, it was a lot easier — he simply rode the bullpen cart from one clubhouse to the other at Chase Field.
Chris Archer, Jonathan Schoop and a bunch of relievers moved on deadline day, a flurry of 15 swaps Tuesday before time ran out to make deals without waivers.
The trade market kept spinning at a dizzying pace. Every team except San Francisco made at least one deal since the All-Star Game, with Tampa Bay swinging seven.
Archer, a two-time All-Star, is heading to Pittsburgh. He is 3-5 with a 4.31 ERA in 17 starts this season, and joins a Pirates club that has pushed back into the playoff race even after trading away Gerrit Cole and Andrew McCutchen in the off-season.
“They’re super-hot right now, and they want me,” Archer said. “I’m excited to be part of the organization that wants me, part of a rich baseball history, a hard-working community.
“I can’t wait to get there.”
The Rays sent former All-Star catcher Wilson Ramos to NL East-leading Philadelphia, while Leonys Martin, Kevin Gausman and Cameron Maybin also switched sides as contenders tweaked their rosters.
And why not? All but four National League teams began the day within 5 1/2 games of a playoff spot. The American League is more spread out — division leaders Boston, Cleveland and Houston have been busy.
Manny Machado, Cole Hamels, Zach Britton, Mike Moustakas and Ian Kinsler were among the big names that moved earlier this month.
Bryce Harper, Jacob deGrom, J.T. Realmuto and McCutchen had also been mentioned in trade speculation, but they stayed put.
“I think whenever you hear your name or see your name on stuff, you always wonder. But I think that’s just the business side of the game,” Harper said.
Seattle acquired outfielder Cameron Maybin from the Miami Marlins, giving the Mariners a boost in the outfield going into the final two months of the regular season. Seattle landed Maybin in exchange for minor league infielder Bryson Brigman and international slot money.
The Toronto Blue Jays traded two relief pitchers for prospects, sending left-hander Aaron Loup to the Philadelphia Phillies and Canadian right-hander John Axford to the Los Angeles Dodgers.