12:38 PM ET
Jeff PassanESPN
CloseESPN MLB insiderAuthor of “The Arm: Inside the Billion-Dollar Mystery of one of the most Valuable Commodity in Sports”
The Oakland Athletics got left-hander Mike Minor from the Texas Rangers on Monday, bolstering their rotation as they look for to hold on to their lead in the American League West.
The As likewise received cash factors to consider in the deal and sent 2 gamers to be named later on and global slot money to the Rangers in return.
Minor, 32, has been a rotation stalwart for the Rangers considering that signing a three-year, $28 million going into the 2018 season. He had a hard time over his first half-dozen begins this season, but his six shutout innings against a potent Los Angeles Dodgers offense Friday showed his capability.
Oakland looked for assistance for a starting personnel that went into trade due date day with a 4.84 ERA. Rookie Jesus Luzardo and right-hander Chris Bassitt have been solid, Mike Fiers low strikeout and high house run rates are of concern, and Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas have ERAs of 5.64 and 6.06, respectively. The As however are 22-12, the third-best record in baseball, and hold a 2 1/2-video game lead over the Houston Astros in their division.
Minor, who is owed a little bit less than $2 million for the rest of the season, is because of strike complimentary agency this winter season. His fastball velocity has actually taken a step back this season, going from an average of 92.6 miles per hour in 2015 to 90.6 mph, but he still has actually set out 35 in 35 1/3 innings. His tendency to enable crowning achievement has enhanced his ERA to 5.60.
He was an extremely desired trade candidate last due date and over the winter season, but Texas hung on to him in hopes of contending this season. At 12-21, the Rangers have the fourth-worst record in baseball and have likewise talked with groups about possibly moving right-hander Lance Lynn, who has actually become a front-line starter, and slugger Joey Gallo.
