The Mariners and Blue Jays on Tuesday swapped a pair of formerly stellar relievers who are in the midst of down seasons.
Seattle acquired right-hander Drew Storen and cash considerations from Toronto in exchange for right-hander Joaquin Benoit, the clubs announced. The Tacoma News Tribune reported the cash is the difference in the pitchers' salaries (Storen is making $8.375 million, Benoit is making $8 million).
MORE: Worst in-season trades for every AL franchise
Storen, who was designated for assignment by Toronto on Sunday after posting a 6.21 ERA over 33 1/3 innings this year, is just one season removed from converting 29 saves with the Nationals. A star set-up man in 2014 with a 1.12 ERA over 65 games, Storen, 28, has struggled with his control of late, but Seattle is hopeful a change of scenery will help him.
Benoit, a 39-year-old journeyman, owns a 5.18 ERA, a 1.44 WHIP, and a 28:15 strikeout-to-walk ratio this year. Like Storen, he was highly effective in 2014 and good last season, posting ERAs of 1.49 and 2.34, respectively, with the Padres.
NOVICK: How much is a closer really worth?
Both men are expected to serve as middle-inning relievers as their new clubs chase American League playoff spots.
After beating the Pirates on Tuesday, the Mariners (51-48) are 4 1/2 games behind the Red Sox for the AL's second wild card. The Blue Jays (57-44), who beat the Padres in 12 innings Tuesday, sit in the first wild-card spot and are two games behind the AL East-leading Orioles.