It appeared the Toronto Blue Jays needed to add starting pitching to help their playoff push. Instead, they traded for a star shortstop.
Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos said acquiring five-time All-Star Troy Tulowitzki from the Colorado Rockies was “the rare chance that one of the best at his position was available.”
“We’re getting the best shortstop in baseball in our minds,” Anthopoulos said. “We’re just thrilled.”
The Blue Jays also obtained reliever LaTroy Hawkins from the Rockies for shortstop Jose Reyes and minor league righthanders Miguel Castro, Jeff Hoffman and Jesus Tinoco.
Toronto (50-50) began the night tied for second in the AL East, seven games behind the New York Yankees. The Blue Jays lead baseball with 528 runs but their starters have a 4.38 ERA, third worst in the AL.
“Getting better doesn’t have to mean a reliever or a starter,” Anthopoulos said. “When you have a chance to get the best player at a respective position and a guy that also brings some intangibles as well, it’s a rare opportunity and we wanted to take advantage of it.”
Toronto has not reached the playoffs since winning the 1993 World Series — the longest drought of any major league team.
Nationals get Papelbon • The Philadelphia Phillies traded All-Star closer Jonathan Papelbon to the Washington Nationals. MLB.com reported the Phillies receive Double-A righthander Nick Pivetta for Papelbon. The 34-year-old righthander is Philadelphia’s career saves leader with 123 and is 17 for 17 in save chances this season. Papelbon also is Boston’s saves leader with 219. Drew Storen is 29 for 31 in save opportunities for the NL East-leading Nationals. He’s likely moving to a setup role because Papelbon made it clear he wouldn’t accept a trade unless he was going to remain the closer.
Mets reliever suspended for year • Just back from an 80-game drug suspension, New York Mets reliever Jenrry Mejia has been banned for an additional 162 games following a positive test for Stanozolol and Boldenone.
Mejia was suspended April 11 following a positive test for Stanozolol and said in a statement then “I can honestly say I have no idea how a banned substance ended up in my system.”
He returned July 12 and was 1-0 in seven games, pitching 7 1/3 scoreless innings. Because of the first suspension, he would have been ineligible for the postseason, if the Mets make it that far.
Trout injured • Los Angeles Angels star Mike Trout was out of the starting lineup on Tuesday against the Houston Astros because of an injured left wrist. The All-Star center fielder was hurt attempting to make a diving catch in the fourth inning on Sunday but stayed in the game and later hit a grand slam. Meanwhile, the Angels were busy on the trade front. They acquired outfielder David DeJesus from Tampa Bay in exchange for minor league pitcher Eduar Lopez. They also obtained outfielder David Murphy from Cleveland for minor league shortstop Eric Stamets.
Royals get Zobrist • The Kansas City Royals made another big addition for the season’s stretch run on Tuesday, acquiring the versatile Ben Zobrist and nearly $2.6 million from the Oakland Athletics for righthander Aaron Brooks and minor league lefthander Sean Manaea.
Marlins activate Gordon, lose Alvarez • All-Star second baseman Dee Gordon was activated from the disabled list by the Miami Marlins on Tuesday, the same day that the team announced that opening day starter Henderson Alvarez had season-ending shoulder surgery. Alvarez pitched a no-hitter in 2013 and was an All-Star last year.
Hall of Fame voting change • Baseball’s Hall of Fame is cutting the number of voters in its annual election by eliminating writers who have not been active for more than 10 years.
