One week before the trade deadline, the Royals executed a deal to reinforce their pitching staff, acquiring starting pitcher Trevor Cahill, reliever Brandon Maurer and left-handed pitcher Ryan Buchter from the San Diego Padres in exchange for left-handed pitchers Travis Wood and Matt Strahm and minor-league infielder Esteury Ruiz.
Cahill, 29, has posted a 3.69 ERA in 11 starts for the Padres after spending time on the disabled list in June because of a shoulder strain. Mauer is a hard-throwing reliever who served as the Padres’ closer this season, converting 20 of his 23 save opportunities, including 15-straight since May 28.