Two last-place teams that stayed quiet at Monday's trade deadline meet Tuesday as the Athletics visit the Cincinnati Reds to open a three-game interleague series.
Despite expectations of aggressive selling, both front offices largely stood pat. The Reds sent first baseman Nathaniel Lowe to Cleveland for two prospects and dealt Caleb Ferguson to St. Louis for international bonus space, but kept catcher Tyler Stephenson, pitcher Brady Singer and infielder Eugenio Suarez.
Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall defended the approach, citing the team's young core. Manager Terry Francona said he left trade decisions to others. The Reds will promote 22-year-old outfield prospect Hector Rodriguez, their No. 3 prospect, for his debut Tuesday.
The Athletics made only one trade, sending outfielder Colby Thomas to Philadelphia for right-handed reliever Seth Johnson. Manager Mark Kotsay said the deadline passing lets the team focus on the final two months.
On the mound, the A's start J.T. Ginn (8-6, 3.46 ERA), while the Reds counter with Brady Singer (5-10, 4.35), who remains a rotation mainstay despite trade speculation.
Source: cincinnatisun.com
