Sonny Gray and Yu Darvish dominate the headlines today. But you’ll never believe what Brandon Kintzler was doing when he got the news that he had been traded.
Major League Baseball’s trade deadline is without question the most exciting of the major sports. For some, it’s a holiday, for others – the busiest day of the year.
As trade rumors increased, hours were spent analyzing no-trade clauses and various other contract details of potential targets. Hours of research and evaluation put in with one goal in mind.
Reach the postseason!
There is a new arm in the nation’s capital! @Nationals @MLBTheShow #TradeDeadline pic.twitter.com/xcqNRiuMua
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) July 31, 2017
As a result, names like Dustin Fowler, Stephen Nogosek, and AJ Alexy became household names – even if only for a few moments.
Here’s a look at the deadline deals and how they impact the divisional landscape – starting with the National League East.
Washington Nationals
Two big moves in DC.
The Nationals acquired RP Brandon Kintzler from the Twins in exchange for LHP Tyler Watson and International Pool money.
In addition, they added infield depth by picking up INF Howie Kendrick from the Phillies in exchange for LHP prospect McKenzie Mills.
Brandon Kintzler was feeding a rhino when he found out he was traded to the @Nationals. https://t.co/sNKN3F6sbq pic.twitter.com/9L2IsQuG3X
— Cut4 (@Cut4) July 31, 2017
Kintzler provides the Nationals with much needed help in the bullpen. Their offense leads the NL in almost every statistical category, including home runs, RBI, batting average, and OPS.
Eight different guys have recorded a save for the Nationals this season. That list includes the recently-acquired (OAK) Sean Doolittle. However, nobody on the team has more than eight saves.
