While Pirates players wonder who will be in uniform and who will not on trade deadline day, they have to get ready to play a ballgame tonight. Joe Block previews the action.
The trade deadline today is 6 PM, just over an hour before the first pitch from PNC Park. While it’s almost a foregone conclusion that left-hander Rich Hill will be traded, there are plenty of other names being tossed around in MLB rumor mills. The player most often mentioned is closer David Bednar, the Pittsburgh native who still has three years of contract control and would command a big haul in return. Insider Jon Heyman writes that the Braves are one of the teams interested in Bednar, but he writes, “Bednar not too likely to move, but if anyone can figure anything out, it’s the Braves.”
While the trade market is hot today, the Pirates have reportedly made a move in the low minors, promoting last year’s top draft choice, second baseman Termarr Johnson, from Low-A Bradenton to High-A Greensboro. After starting the season on the injured list with a hamstring issue, Johnson hit .244 at Bradenton with 13 home runs and 44 RBIs, and in July he hit six home runs with 18 RBIs.
MLB
Trades completed yesterday included:
- The Diamondbacks swapping rookie outfielder Dominic Canzone, utility man Josh Rojas and minor league infielder prospect Ryan Bliss to Seattle for closer Paul Sewald.
- Tampa Bay got starting pitcher Aaron Civale from Cleveland for prospect Kyle Manzardo.
- The Brewers acquired outfielder Mark Canha from the Mets for minor league pitcher Justin Jarvis.
- The Cubs sent two prospects, pitcher DJ Herz and shortstop Kevin Made, to the Nationals for infielder Jeimer Candelario and cash considerations.
- The Giants traded for outfielder AJ Pollock and former Pirates utility man Mark Mathias from the Mariners for a player to be named later or cash considerations.
ALTOONA CURVE
Altoona begins a six-game series with Richmond tonight at PNG Field. Beau Sulser gets the start for the Curve.
