Mariners trade Jackson to Cubs
The Chicago Cubs acquired outfielder Austin Jackson from the Seattle Mariners on Monday, boosting their depth for their run at a possible playoff spot.
Chicago sent a player to be named and money for an international draft slot to the Mariners.
Because the deal was made before Sept. 1, Jackson will be eligible for the postseason if the Cubs get that far. Chicago began the day with a 5 1/2-game lead over San Francisco for the second N.L. wild-card berth.
Jackson had been set to bat leadoff and play center field Monday night for the Mariners at Houston. He was scratched from the lineup more than an hour before gametime.
The 28-year-old Jackson was traded from Detroit to the Mariners in July 2014. He was hitting .272 with eight homers and 38 RBIs in 107 games this season.
Mariners interim general manager Jeff Kingston announced the trade Monday night.
“Obviously we would prefer to be buyers than sellers at this point, but I think for us and the Seattle Mariners at this point in time, it’s more about the future, looking ahead and trying to balance the short-term with the long-term,” he said.
Also, the Mariners traded minor leaguer Justin Ruggiano to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Seattle gets a player to be named later and the Dodgers also receive cash considerations.
Kingston took over last week after GM Jack Zduriencik was fired. The Mariners have had a disappointing season and were 61-70 when they made the trade.
After the trade was announced, Ketel Marte was inserted into the Seattle lineup at shortstop and Brad Miller moved from shortstop to center field.
Clearing the bases
The A.L. Central-leading Royals reached a deal to get OF Jonny Gomes from the Braves. Terms of the deal weren’t disclosed. Gomes left Atlanta’s game against Miami after the fifth inning, hugged his teammates in the dugout and began packing up his belongings in the clubhouse. The 34-year-old Gomes has been in the postseason four times since 2010. Gomes hit .221 with seven homers and 22 RBIs in 195 at-bats with Atlanta. … The Giants acquired OF Alejandro De Aza in a trade with the Red Sox. De Aza is batting .261 with seven homers and 32 RBIs in 90 games this season, splitting time with Baltimore and Boston. The Red Sox received minor league left-hander Luis Ysla in the trade. … Indians president Mark Shapiro is leaving the club after 24 years to join Toronto’s front office. The teams said he will become the Blue Jays’ new president and CEO following the 2015 season. He will replace Paul Beeston, who is retiring. … The Yankees sent 1B Mark Teixeira back to New York for further tests on his bruised right shin. Teixeira missed the entire three-game weekend series in Atlanta. He is hitting .255 with 31 homers and 79 RBIs.