The Cardinals have traded reliever Phil Maton to the Texas Rangers as deadline activity heats up. Texas has been making moves in the final hours, positioning themselves for what’s shaping up to be a tight playoff race.
The Rangers sit at 57-52 and they’re tied with Seattle for second place in the AL West. Both teams are also deadlocked for the final wildcard spot. Makes this Thursday’s four-game series between Texas and the Mariners pretty important.
Phil Maton becomes the latest reliever moved, going from St. Louis to the Texas Rangers. @JeffPassan on it.
Maton has been solid for St. Louis this season. The 32-year-old from Paducah, Kentucky carries a 1-3 record, but his 2.35 ERA tells the real story across 40 appearances. His last outing came Friday against the Padres, and he’s put together three straight scoreless appearances dating back to July 1.
The right-hander’s been around the block – this marks his seventh organization. Started with San Diego before stops in Cleveland, Houston, Tampa Bay, and New York before landing with the Cardinals. Over his career, he’s logged 499.1 innings with 506 strikeouts against 298 hits allowed.
For St. Louis, sitting at a disappointing 55-55, it’s another sign they’re sellers at the deadline. They’re ten games back in the NL Central and their wildcard hopes continue to fade. Maton joins Ryan Helsley as relievers the Cardinals have moved.
Katie Woo reports the Cardinals are getting back lefthanded pitcher Mason Molina and righthanded pitcher Skyler Hales, plus some international bonus money from Texas.
Done deal.
St. Louis lands LHP Mason Molina and RHP Skyler Hales, plus international money in exchange for Phil Maton. #STLCards
It’s another example of contenders loading up on bullpen depth while sellers focus on restocking the system. The Rangers clearly see Maton as a piece that can help them stay in the hunt, especially with that upcoming series against there main wildcard competition.
