ASTROS PICK UP ACE RELIEVER GRAVEMAN IN DEAL WITH SEATTLE

The Astros have landed one of the top relievers in baseball, acquiring right-hander Kendall Graveman from the Seattle Mariners in a trade while the teams were preparing to play each other, Tuesday night.

Graveman and pitcher Rafael Montero are going to the AL West-leading Astros with infielder Abraham Toro and reliever Joe Smith going to Seattle.

Graveman is 4-0 with a 0.82 ERA and 10 saves in 30 appearances this year. He missed nearly a month due to COVID-19 protocols in May and June, but has not allowed an earned run in his past 12 appearances.

Astros manager Dusty Baker said for now he views Ryan Pressly as his closer but that he won't hesitate in turning to Graveman.

Montero was designated for assignment by the Mariners last week after being acquired in the offseason from Texas. Smith has a career-worst 7.48 ERA in 27 games for the Astros after not pitching during the 2020 season.

Toro is hitting .211 with six homers and 20 RBIs in 35 games this season.