St. Louis Cardinals trade reliever Phil Maton to Texas Rangers

Rodney Knuppel

St. Louis Cardinals trade reliever Phil Maton to Texas Rangers image

The St. Louis Cardinals have traded reliever Phil Maton to the Texas Rangers. Texas has been aggressive in the final hours of the trade deadline. The Rangers are 57-52 and tied with the Mariners for second in the American League West. Both of those two teams are tied for the final wildcard spot as well. Texas and Seattle start a four game series on Thursday.

The 32-year-old from Paducah, Kentucky, has been strong for the Cardinals this season. He is 1-3, but his ERA is 2.35 on the season. Maton has pitched in 40 games, with his most recent on Friday against the Padres. He has gone three straight appearances without allowing a run, dating back to July 1

In his career, Maton has thrown 499.1 innings and allowed 298 hits, while striking out 506. This will be his seventh franchise, as he started with the Padres, and has been with Cleveland, Houston, Tampa Bay, and the Mets since joining the Cardinals.

St. Louis, marred in a disappointing 55-55 season, has fallen to ten games back in the National League Central, and their wildcard chances continue to slip away as well. Maton joins Ryan Helsley as relievers on the move at the deadline.

More: St. Louis Cardinals get Jesus Baez in deal for Ryan Helsley

Katie Woo reports the Cardinals get lefthanded pitcher Mason Molina and right handed pitcher Skyler Hales, plus some international money from Texas.

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Rodney Knuppel

Rodney Knuppel is a freelance writer for The Sporting News. When not watching, listening or writing about sports, Rodney enjoys following the travels of his three kids, who are all active in their own sports and activities. A huge St. Louis Cardinals fan, Rodney also enjoys St. Louis Blues hockey and is a big Kansas Jayhawks basketball fan.