The Guardians made three trades Monday to bolster their lineup and surprisingly their rotation as they seek a third consecutive American League Central title.
Cleveland acquired All-Star pitcher Foster Griffin from the Washington Nationals for four prospects, strengthening one of baseball’s top rotations. The Guardians also made moves to get outfielder Jo Adell from the Los Angeles Angels and first baseman Nathaniel Lowe from the Cincinnati Reds.
Griffin, who is coming off three excellent seasons in Japan with the Yomiuri Giants, has quietly been one of the best pitchers in baseball this season. A first-time All-Star selection, Griffin was 12-3 with a 3.06 ERA, a 1.07 WHIP and 116 strikeouts in 22 starts for the Nationals. He is eligible to become a free agent after this season
Lowe, 31, is batting .266 with 12 home runs and 37 RBIs in 83 games this season. A left-handed batter, he is hitting .286 with an 0.855 OPS against right-handed pitchers this season. For his career, he has hit .264 with 119 home runs and 450 RBIs in eight seasons.
Adell, 27, adds power and some outfield versatility. He has 16 homers and 62 RBIs this season, one year after hitting a career-best 37 homers with 98 RBIs. Adell had spent his career with the Angels after being the No. 10 pick in 2017.
Kyle Manzardo and David Fry were optioned to Triple-A Columbus to make room on the 26-man roster for Adell and Lowe.
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