The Los Angeles Dodgers formally announced their trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates, acquiring left-handed reliever Tony Watson in exchange for Minor League pitcher Angel German and infielder Oneil Cruz.
A reported trade for Watson was the Dodgers’ first move on Monday, which led to some letdown considering the club had been linked to the likes of Zach Britton and Brad Hand. The Dodgers of course went on to cap off a flurry of late activity by trading for Texas Rangers ace Yu Darvish.
In 47 appearances with the Pirates this season, Watson went 5-3 with a 3.66 ERA, 4.69 FIP and 1.52 WHIP while striking out 35 and walking 14 in 46.2 innings of work.
He has converted 10 of 17 save opportunities, although lost the closer’s role with Pittsburgh in May. Among National League relievers with a minimum of 250 innings pitched since 2013, Watson ranks first in wins (24) and third in strikeout-to-walk-ratio (3.72).
During that same span he’s also fourth in ERA (2.42) and WHIP (1.05, 4th), seventh in opponents’ batting average (.227), opponents’ OPS (.623), and ninth in saves (30).
Watson was a 31-16 career with a 2.68 ERA in 450 games over seven seasons with the Pirates (2011-17). The 32-year-old is eligible for free agency this winter.
German went 1-0 with seven saves and a 1.91 ERA in 21 appearances with Low-A Great Lakes. Over five professional seasons, the right-hander is 3-15 with a 5.10 ERA in 81 games (15 starts). German signed with the Dodgers as an undrafted free agent in April 2013.
Cruz batted .240/.293/.342 with nine doubles, one triple, eight home runs, 36 RBIs and eight stolen bases in 89 games this season with the Loons. He made his professional debut last year with the Dominican Summer League Dodgers.
The Dodgers designated Peter O’Brien in order to make room for Watson on the 40-man roster. O’Brien was claimed off waivers from the Rangers in June.
