The National League Central race remains tight, and there were a flurry of trade deadline moves as teams gear up for the stretch run.
The Chicago Cubs have made several moves in July, acquiring reliever Jesse Chavez and starting pitcher Cole Hamels from the Texas Rangers, and they made one more move Tuesday, getting Brandon Kintzler in a deal with the Washington Nationals.
Kintzler is a ground-ball specialist with a low walk rate, and has closing experience, which could aid the Cubs as Brandon Morrow continues to miss time due to an injury.
The big splash of the day was made by the Pittsburgh Pirates, who acquired starting pitcher Chris Archer from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for Tyler Glasnow and Austin Meadows.
Archer is an instant upgrade to a Pirates team that is currently seven games out in the NL Central, but is just three and a half games behind Arizona in the wild card hunt. Archer has a 3-5 record in 17 starts, with a 4.31 ERA this season.
The Pirates also acquired relief pitcher Keone Kela from the Texas Rangers in a deadline day swap. Kela has 24 saves in 38 appearances for the Rangers this season, and bolsters Pittsburgh's bullpen.
The Milwaukee Brewers, who currently trail the Cubs by a game in the Central Division race, were unable to get a starting pitcher and missed out on Minnesota Twins second baseman Brian Dozier, who is heading to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Chicago Baseball
The Brewers did get active, acquiring infielder Jonathan Schoop from the Baltimore Orioles. Schoop will give the team a bat in the middle of their infield, and has 17 home runs in 367 plate appearances this season.
The Brewers also acquired third baseman Mike Moustakas in a trade with the Kansas City Royals earlier this week.
Even the St. Louis Cardinals were active, sending Tommy Pham and international bonus pool money to the Rays in exchange for a trio of prospects.
The Cubs and Pirates will square off in a series that is now even more intriguing beginning Tuesday night at PNC Park.
