MLB: The Mariners set the tone
Clearly, the Seattle Mariners are determined to make the major league playoffs for the first time since 2001.
By acquiring starting pitcher Luis Castillo in a trade with the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night, the Mariners (54-47) have just sent a strong message to other teams. The team with which Quebec player Abraham Toro plays even sacrificed one of its best prospects, infielder Noelvi Marte, in the trade.
Castillo, 29, was one of the most coveted players heading into the August 2 trade deadline.
« He’s one of the best pitchers in major league baseball, he’s established himself as a dominant starter, » manager Scott Servais said when commenting on the acquisition to the media. We have the opportunity to accomplish something huge here this year. Sometimes you have to take a chance, take a risk, to be ultimately rewarded.
In 14 starts with the Reds this season, Castillo has a 2.86 ERA. He notably had 90 strikeouts in 85 innings. Despite everything, his record is 4-4, he who has not always been well supported by the attack at the Reds.
In addition to Marte, the Mariners have traded three other minor leaguers in Levi Stoudt, Edwin Arroyo and Andrew Moore. A native of the Dominican Republic, the 20-year-old Marte has notably hit 15 homers in 85 games since the start of the season, at the A-strong level, with the Everett farm club.
Turn the page
In 2021, remember that the Mariners, with a good push in the last two weeks of the calendar, came very close to taking part in the playoffs by showing an excellent record of 90-72.
About Quebecer Abraham Toro, who was traded from the Houston Astros to the Mariners in July 2021, he maintains a low batting average of .175 this season. Toro, versatile on defense, nevertheless demonstrates power and opportunism with eight home runs and 24 RBIs in 79 games.
