CINCINNATI -- We have one hour remaining until the trade deadline. Here’s what’s been going on today:
***The Giants acquired righty Mike Leake from the Reds, meaning the Pirates won’t face him Sunday.
***I’m not a fan of the cliche “Our long national nightmare is over,” but that nicely describes the Phillies’ trade of Cole Hamels to the Rangers. Hamels hopes to pitch meaningful games for the Rangers.
***Elsewhere in the division: The Cardinals, who already added Steve Cishek, traded for Jonathan Broxton to strengthen their bullpen. This might be a net gain for the Pirates, against whom Broxton has a 6.00 ERA in 39 innings, including seven homers and 17 walks. That is Broxton’s highest ERA against an NL club. ... The Cubs traded for Marlins starter Dan Haren. ... The Brewers continued to sell, getting rid of Gerardo Parra in addition to Broxton.
***The Dodgers, Marlins and Braves completed a three-team, 13-player deal. The Dodgers have combined a savvy, forward-thinking front office with the financial wherewithal to do what it pleases.
***The Orioles designated Bud Norris for assignment, but he has a 7.06 ERA, he’s been pitching in relief since the beginning of July and is making $8.8 million this season.
***From late last night: The Pirates sent outfielder Gorkys Hernandez outright to Class AAA Indianapolis, where he had been rehabbing. They placed him on waivers earlier this week and he cleared. He was on the DL, but according to the Indianapolis roster he is active.
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What type of shape is the Pirates’ pitching in?
- The rotation, which for most of the season has been the second-best unit in the NL, has dropped to third, with a 3.35 ERA, behind the Cardinals and Dodgers. In the past 30 days, though, their 3.88 ERA is 12th in the NL.
- A.J. Burnett’s past three starts: 16 innings, 32 hits, 18 earned runs.
- Charlie Morton’s past seven starts: 37 innings, 45 hits, 30 earned runs, 16 walks, 7.30 ERA, 302/.392/.544 opposing batters’ line. That’s a .935 OPS.
- Options at Class AAA Indianapolis: RHPs Wilfredo Boscan, Adrian Sampson, Radhames Liz, Chris Volstad.
- The Pirates’ bullpen in the past 30 days has a 4.68 ERA, 13th in the NL. Their 2.88 ERA for the season is still second in the NL.
First Published: March 24, 2016, 5:01 p.m.
