That Sailors right-handed traded on Tuesday Kendall Graveman and Rafael Montero on the first place Astros for infielder Abraham Toro and right handed Joe Smith. Seattle took one game back in the American League wildcard race on Tuesday.
Mariners CEO Jerry Dipoto said of the deal: “It probably doesn’t make a (meaningful) stand on its own, but it’s part of a context in what I think will be an ongoing story for the next few days.”
Graveman, a post-season free agent, posted 10 saves, a 0.82 ERA, and 9.3 strikeouts per nine in his first 30 appearances of the season. Montero, who was designated for assignment on July 23, had a 7.27 ERA over 40 appearances (43 1/3 innings). Having cut .211 / .287 / .385 in 35 Major League games this season, Toro struggled with an oblique strain in May and was absent for most of the month before returning to the Astros lineup in mid-June . Smith, a 14 year old veteran, has an ERA of 7.48 through 27 appearances (25 innings).
Jim Bowden, National Writer: With the Graveman deal, the Mariners have made it clear that 2022 and beyond are more important than 2021, and that managing directors always have the present and the future in mind and must realistically assess their teams’ real chances of winning at all times.
Jake Kaplan, Astros Beat writer: Astros’ takeover of Graveman gives them high leverage to mate with closer Ryan Pressly for the remainder of the season. They could still use another pitcher to add to their bullpen, but adding Graveman a few days before the deadline is a powerful first step to addressing their greatest weakness. (Read Kaplan’s article on the things of the Astros here.)
Corey Brock, Mariners Beat Writer: Maybe no one will want to hear this, but that’s a good deal for the Mariners. I think they can cover Graveman’s loss.
