The Seattle Mariners shockingly decided to trade closer Kendall Graveman to a rival in the AL West on Tuesday.
On Monday night, the Seattle Mariners secured their 55th win of the season by defeating the Houston Astros 11-8. Relief pitcher Kendall Graveman was credited with the win after striking out two batters in one inning of work. Looking to build off this victory, the Mariners decided to trade Graveman…to the team he beat on Monday.
According to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com, the Mariners traded Graveman and right-handed pitcher Rafael Montero to the Astros in exchange for infielder Abraham Toro and right-hander Joe Smith on Tuesday.
Mariners trade of Kendall Graveman to Astros has not gone over well
If you thought Mariners fans were upset about this trade being approved, wait to you hear how the actual team feels. According to Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times, the Graveman trade to Houston “did not go over well in the Mariners clubhouse.”
But wait, there’s more! According to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, the Mariners are looking at making “multiple additional trades” and they are “not limited to replacing the relievers sent to the Astros in this trade.” So, keeps your eyes peeled in the coming hours and days, Mariners fans.
The Astros approached the trade deadline in desperate need of help in the bullpen. Luckily for them, they got a huge assist from their rivals in the Mariners.
In 30 appearances this season, Graveman recorded a 0.82 ERA, a 0.697 WHIP, 10 saves, 34 strikeouts and eight walks through 33.0 innings of work. That is a huge get for the Astros, who are looking to make a trip to the American League Championship Series for the fifth-consecutive year.
As for Montero, he had been previously designated for assignment by the Mariners, but is now heading to Houston. Through 40 games this season, Montero recorded a 7.27 ERA, a 1.64 WHIP, 37 strikeouts and 15 walks in 43.1 innings of work.
Toro received plenty of playing time this season with third baseman Alex Bregman out with a knee injury. Through 35 games, Toro is slashing .211/.287/.385 while recording six home runs, 20 RBI, 17 runs scored and 23 hits.
Smith, on the other hand, has recorded a 7.48 ERA, a 1.800 WHIP, and 17 strikeouts through 21.2 innings of work (27 games).
While the trade does sting at the moment for Mariners fans, it is best to wait and see what the team has in store leading up to Friday’s deadline before making any final judgements. But, Astros fans are no doubt celebrating the acquisition of Graveman to fix their bullpen.