Tigers trade closer Joakim Soria to Pirates for SS prospect JaCoby Jones
The Tigers and Pirates have agreed to a deal sending Detroit closer Joakim Soria to Pittsburgh, the Pirates announced.
MLive.com's James Schmehl reported Thursday evening that the two sides were close on the deal. Jon Heyman of CBS Sports confirmed shortly afterward that Soria was headed to Pittsburgh.
Double A shortstop JaCoby Jones is headed to the Tigers in the trade.
Soria, 31, has converted 23 of 26 save attempts for the Tigers this season with a 2.85 ERA and 36 strikeouts in 41 innings. The two-time All-Star may wind up working the eighth, as Pittsburgh already deploys All-Star Mark Melancon in the closer's role. The 30-year-old Melancon holds a 1.32 ERA and has saved 32 of 33 chances, striking out 33 batters in 47 2/3 innings.
Jones, 23, has hit .260 with 10 home runs and 60 RBIs between high A and Double A this season.
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- Jeremy Woo
