Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Marlins get Marte from D-backs for playoff push

Written by 
Published in Baseball
Monday, 31 August 2020 16:15

PHOENIX -- The Miami Marlins acquired outfielder Starling Marte in a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday, giving the Marlins a versatile hitter and defender as they try to make a surprising push for the playoffs.

The Diamondbacks received pitchers Caleb Smith and Humberto Mejia, as well as a player to be named later.

Marte, 31, played most of his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he was an All-Star in 2016 but also served an 80-game suspension in 2017 after testing positive for steroids. The two-time Gold Glove winner in left field was traded to the Diamondbacks during the offseason and played well, batting .311 with two homers, eight doubles and five stolen bases while playing center.

"We just get another solid, everyday bat," Marlins president of baseball operations Michael Hill said. "Young players are going to have their growing pains. It's a challenge when you're trying to make it to the playoffs. We're adding a bat that can take some pressure off our young guys and provide support to our existing core players."

Marte has a $12.5 million option on his contract for next year.

He went through personal tragedy in May when his wife, Noelia, died of a heart attack.

The Diamondbacks turned into sellers at the trade deadline after losing 10 of their past 11 games. They also traded All-Star left-handed starter Robbie Ray to the Toronto Blue Jays and closer Archie Bradley to the Cincinnati Reds.

Arizona expected to be a contender in the National League West this season but currently sits in last place with a 14-21 record.

"There are moments in time you can't go chasing something that isn't there," Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen said. "For this season, it hasn't been there. I feel like pivoting at this moment in time is what's most appropriate."

The Marlins also traded infielder-outfielder Jonathan Villar for outfield prospect Griffin Conine, son of Jeff Conine, who played on the Marlins' 1993 expansion team and on their World Series championship teams in 1997 and 2003. Griffin Conine was a second-round draft pick by the Blue Jays in 2018.

Villar became more expendable when second baseman Isan Diaz, who opted out for the season, changed his mind and applied for reinstatement. Diaz is working himself into shape at the Marlins' complex in Jupiter, Florida.

The Marlins are in the running for a playoff spot in this year's expanded 16-team format. They had a COVID-19 outbreak early in the delayed season that kept them off the field for more than a week but have bounced back, and their 15-15 record is good for second in the National League East.

"Our club has fought so hard for the first 30 games for what they endured," Hill said. "We want to do everything on our part to put us in a position to make it to the playoffs."

Smith, 29, has pitched just once this year, giving up one run in three innings on July 25. He was 10-11 with a 4.52 ERA in 28 starts in 2019. Mejia, 23, made his big league debut earlier this year and has a 5.40 ERA in three starts.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Read 296 times

Soccer

Everton's fight to stay in the Premier League: 'You take the knocks, but you keep fighting'

Everton's fight to stay in the Premier League: 'You take the knocks, but you keep fighting'

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLIVERPOOL, England -- Sylvester Stallone is an Everton supporter an...

Maradona's children want remains in mausoleum

Maradona's children want remains in mausoleum

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsChildren of the late soccer star Diego Maradona have asked a court...

Sources: Man United leading race to sign Olise

Sources: Man United leading race to sign Olise

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsManchester United are considered front-runners to sign Michael Olis...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Toppin, McConnell help Pacers eliminate Bucks

Toppin, McConnell help Pacers eliminate Bucks

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsINDIANAPOLIS -- T.J. McConnell and Obi Toppin complemented one anot...

'Frustrating': Lillard laments injuries after loss

'Frustrating': Lillard laments injuries after loss

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsINDIANAPOLIS -- After spending the hours leading up to Game 6 getti...

Baseball

Bally Sports channels pulled off air by Comcast

Bally Sports channels pulled off air by Comcast

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsBally Sports channels carried by the distributor Comcast went dark...

Orioles' Bradish gives up 1 run in season debut

Orioles' Bradish gives up 1 run in season debut

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsBaltimore Orioles right-hander Kyle Bradish was reinstated from the...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated