What a Relief! A's Make All-Star Break Swap
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. -- Two teams looking to make a second half push brokered a trade during the All-Star Break on Wednesday, as the Oakland A's (52-43) sent right fielder Josh Reddick, pitcher Eric Brooks, and a minor leaguer to the St. Louis Cardinals (47-47) for relievers John Gast and Trevor Rosenthal.
Reddick had recently lost his starting job in right field to rookie Sancho Fajardo, prompting the A's to shop the veteran around the league. Reddick had spent the past six seasons in Oakland, hitting a career-high 32 homeruns in 2012, but never hitting better than his current .271 clip.
"We wish Josh nothing but the best," said A's general manager David Forst. "He is a class act and played a big part in turning us into a perennial playoff contender. He will be missed."
Brooks had earned a spot in the A's starting rotation, posting a 4.58 ERA in 16 starts, while compiling a record of 4-6.
In return, the A's get two relievers who should help bolster the team's bullpen. Gast and Rosenthal are expected to join the A's 25-man roster immediately, with Armando Rivero (5.18 ERA in 19 appearances) being demoted to AAA Sacramento.