The Tampa Bay Rays have made perhaps their biggest-ever trade-deadline acquisition, obtaining right-handed slugger Nelson Cruz from the Minnesota Twins along with minor-league pitcher Calvin Faucher, for minor-league pitchers Joe Ryan and Drew Strotman.
Cruz, who plays right field and is predominantly a designated hitter, is hitting .294 with 21 home runs on the season. He fills the need for a right-handed power bat against the tough left-handed pitching that the Rays have historically struggled against.
Stroman, 24, was 7-2 with a 3.39 ERA with AAA Durham. He struck out 62 while walking 33 in 58 and a third innings pitched, giving up 50 hits while allowing only three home runs. The 25-year-old Ryan was 4-3 with Durham, having a 3.63 ERA and striking out 75 while only walking 10 in 57 innings pitched.
Faucher is 25, and pitched this season with the AA Wichita Wind Surge. He was 1-1 with a 7.04 ERA, pitching 30 and two-thirds innings, allowing 39 hits while striking out 42 and walking 24.
We will discuss this trade in detail on Friday on 95.3 WDAE, starting with the Ronnie & TKras Show at 6 a.m.
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