MLB Notes: Mets trade Byrd, Buck to Pirates

Share

PITTSBURGH -- A day after falling out of first place, the Pittsburgh Pirates made a trade they feel will bolster their offense.

And it was welcome news to manager Clint Hurdle and his players.

The Pirates acquired outfielder Marlon Byrd and catcher John Buck from the New York Mets on Tuesday, hoping the veterans can help the franchise to its first playoff berth in 21 years.

The Pirates began the day a half-game behind St. Louis in the National League Central after the Cardinals took sole possession of first place Monday night with an 8-5 win over the Cincinnati Reds. The Pirates were idle.

The Pirates sent the Mets minor league infielder Dilson Herrera and a player to be named later in exchange for Byrd, Buck and cash considerations. Pittsburgh had claimed Byrd off waivers and were able to work out the four-player deal with New York (see full story).

Blue Jays: Gibbons to remain as manager
TORONTO -- John Gibbons won't pay the price for the Blue Jays' disappointing season, general manager Alex Anthopoulos said Tuesday.

Anthopoulos insisted that Gibbons will return as manager in 2014, even though the Blue Jays remain stuck in last place in the AL East with a 59-73 record.

Asked about the possibility of replacing Gibbons, Anthopoulos said "there's never been any thought on that respect at all" (see full story).

Rockies: Gonzalez hopeful; Oswalt pitches simulated game
DENVER -- Carlos Gonzalez says his sprained right middle finger is feeling better after taking a round of batting practice Tuesday and hopes to soon leave for a rehab assignment.

The Colorado Rockies outfielder has been on the disabled list since early August. Gonzalez says the finger remains sore, but he expected as much after doctors told him it wouldn't be 100 percent until next season.

Hours before Tuesday's game against San Francisco, Roy Oswalt (strained left hamstring) took the field and threw around 60 pitches in a simulated contest (see full story).

Contact Us