In an attempt to catch the Houston Astros in the American League West while fending off the surging Oakland A’s for a playoff spot, the Seattle Mariners have added a reinforcement to the bullpen.
The St. Louis Cardinals announced on Friday afternoon that they have dealt 25-year-old reliever Sam Tuivailala to the Mariners for low-level prospect Seth Elledge.
The #STLCards have acquired minor league RHP Seth Elledge from the Mariners in exchange for RHP Sam Tuivailala. Elledge, 22, was 5-1 with a 1.17 ERA and 9 saves in 31 games for Modesto (A) while being named a California League All-Star. He has been assigned to Springfield (AA). pic.twitter.com/STiMJIqrkn
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) July 27, 2018
Tuivailala has been solid for St. Louis this season, pitching to a 3.69 ERA in 31 appearances. Last season saw the former third-round pick post a 2.55 ERA and 1.09 WHIP. He’s struggled keeping opponents off the base this season, boasting an inflated 1.45 WHIP.
Tuivailala will now join a bullpen that includes star closer Edwin Diaz and veteran Chasen Bradford, who have both put in stellar seasons.
From a Cardinals perspective, this could be the start of multiple trades. The team enters Friday’s action with a 51-51 record and pretty much completely out of the NL Playoff race.
In acquiring Elledge, St. Louis picks up a potential closer of the future. He’s pitched to a 5-1 record with a 1.17 ERA in Single-A Modesto this season.