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Seattle Mariners

Astros, Mariners pull off trade while facing one another

Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Kendall Graveman works against the Colorado Rockies during the ninth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, July 20, 2021, in Denver. The Mariners won 6-4. (Associated Press)
Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Kendall Graveman works against the Colorado Rockies during the ninth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, July 20, 2021, in Denver. The Mariners won 6-4. (Associated Press)
Associated Press

Associated Press

SEATTLE – The Houston Astros have landed one of the top relievers in baseball, acquiring right-hander Kendall Graveman from the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday in an odd intra-division trade while the teams were preparing to play each other.

Graveman and Rafael Montero are going to the American League West-leading Astros with infielder Abraham Toro and reliever Joe Smith going back to Seattle.

“We are always looking to improve all aspects of the roster,” Astros general manager James Click said. “This one happens to be focused on the bullpen. But we’re not going to take any options off the table when it comes to trying to put ourselves in a position to compete for a World Series.”

The move bolsters a Houston bullpen that has struggled at times and has an ERA above 4.00 this season.

Graveman is 4-0 with a 0.82 ERA and 10 saves in 30 appearances. He missed nearly a month due to COVID-19 protocols in May and June but has been dominant on the mound. Graveman has not allowed an earned run in his past 12 appearances.

Montero was designated for assignment by the Mariners last week after being acquired in the offseason from Texas.

Houston manager Dusty Baker said for now he views Ryan Pressly as his closer, but wouldn’t hesitate turning to Graveman.

“In modern times it seems like most teams are trading to try to win the deal, but this is a trade that is going to benefit both,” Baker said.

Whether it benefits the Mariners remains to be seen. On the surface it’s appears a baffling decision by Seattle to give up its most dominant reliever while failing to fill a position of need with the Mariners just one game behind Oakland in the AL wild-card race.

Also, it was reported Tuesday night by ESPN’s Jeff Passan that the Mariners were finalizing a deal to acquire left-handed pitcher Tyler Anderson from the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Toro is in his third season and has played primarily third base, where the Mariners have veteran Kyle Seager entrenched. Toro has also played first base and has one game at second base this season, a position where the Mariners could be looking to upgrade before the trade deadline.

Toro is hitting .211 with six homers and 20 RBIs in 35 games this season.

Smith has a career-worst 7.48 ERA in 27 games for the Astros after not pitching during the 2020 season.