Pirates acquire J.A. Happ from Mariners

In a deal that snuck in just before the trade deadline, the Pittsburgh Pirates acquired left-handed pitcher J.A. Happ from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for right-hander Adrian Sampson, the team announced.

Happ, a 32-year-old left-hander, had a 4.64 ERA in 108⅔ inningswith the Mariners this season, making 21 appearances, 20 of which were starts. He had a 1.41 WHIP and walked 32 while striking out 82.

Happ should slot into the back end of the Pirates' rotation, where lefty Jeff Locke and right-hander Charlie Morton have struggled this season. Happ could also find himself at Triple-A Indianapolis if Pittsburgh decides to stick with Locke and Morton for the time being, though that is unlikely given that his is making $6.7 million this year, the last of his contract.

Sampson, a 23-year-old righty and a Washington native, has spent the season at Indianapolis, with a 3.98 ERA and 1.34 WHIP in 124⅓ innings. He has been able to limit walks, issuing just 29, but has struck out just 95, or 6.9 per nine innings.

The Mariners were able to get something in return for a pitcher they were losing at the end of the season anyway and Pittsburgh added rotation help for the stretch run in this deal that looks like a positive for both sides.