(AP)  The playoff-chasing Toronto Blue Jays won the pursuit for All-Star pitcher José Berríos, acquiring the Minnesota right-hander for two minor leaguers. The Twins got infielder/outfielder Austin Martin and righty Simeon Woods Richardson for their top pitcher. The deal was made shortly before Friday’s 4 p.m. EDT trade deadline. Berríos was 7-5 with a 3.48 ERA in 20 starts for the Twins this season, and attracted interest from several contenders. Toronto began the day at 51-48, in the fifth spot chasing two AL wild-card slots. The 27-year-old Berríos was Minnesota’s unquestioned ace, a two-time All-Star who has been as durable as any pitcher in the game and remains under team control through the 2022 season.

 

 

ST. LOUIS (AP) — The St. Louis Cardinals have acquired left-handed pitcher J.A. Happ and cash from the Minnesota Twins for right-handed pitcher John Gant and a minor-leaguer. The deal was finalized before the trade deadline. The 38-year-old Happ is in his 15th major league season and his first with the Twins after signing for $8 million this year. Happ has an 8.74 ERA over his last 14 starts after beginning the season strong. The Cardinals will be his eighth major league team. He followed right-hander José Berríos out of Minnesota’s rotation, after the Twins traded him to Toronto.