SAN DIEGO — The San Francisco Giants’ first trade ahead of Monday’s deadline didn’t involve either of the players discussed incessantly the past few weeks.
Instead of second baseman Luis Arraez or pitcher Robbie Ray, the first domino is starter Tyler Mahle, 31, going to the Braves for 24-year-old right-hander Anthony Molina.
Molina, a swing-man type, has appeared in three games in relief with the Braves this year and allowed three earned runs in five innings. He had a 3.78 ERA in 17 appearances at Triple-A Gwinnett with 53 strikeouts in 52⅓ innings.
Molina was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento.
Mahle, signed to a one-year, $10 million contract in January, is 3-9 with a 5.13 ERA in 18 starts, recording 89 strikeouts with 37 walks in 94⅔ innings. He has pitched much better over the past six weeks and in his past seven starts had a 3.89 ERA. In his final outing with the team Saturday, he struck out nine.
There is roughly $2.3 million remaining on Mahle’s deal this year.
This story may be be updated.
