The MLB Trade Deadline always brings some interesting moments and news that ticks from noteworthy to intriguing. In need of bullpen help, the Houston Astros took an unconventional route and struck a deal with the Toronto Blue Jays to land starting pitcher Francisco Liriano. USA Today Sports' Bob Nightengale first reported word of the trade nearing agreement.
Liriano's days as a starting pitcher are over and that's a good thing. The 33-year-old southpaw made 18 starts for Toronto this season and things haven't gone well. Across 82 2/3 innings pitched, Liriano registered a 5.88 ERA, 132 ERA- and 5.03 SIERA. Command, which plagued Liriano for much of his career, continued to be a problem this season in Toronto and he now has a sub-9.0 K-BB percentage for the first time since 2011.
The left-hander isn't missing bats like he used to with a 19.7 percent strikeout rate a career-low and opponents collectively hit .276 off of him, the highest-mark allowed in his career. Liriano also spent time on the disabled list this season and with continued issues of being capable of pitching deep into games and often being pulled after five innings, the Blue Jays recognized it as time to move on.
Houston did see something in Liriano though and his numbers the first time through the order are notable with his expected move to the bullpen. Across 37 innings pitched, Liriano limited opponents to a .255/.329/.455 slash line the first time through the order and he struck out 36 batters versus 15 walks. The 5.11 ERA is still worrisome, but it's not remotely as bad as his 6.53 ERA the second time through the batting order and 6.75 on the third turn.
Toronto's return for Liriano would always be a positive as long as they received something in return, they did. Nori Aoki will provide Toronto with outfield depth for the next season and a half. The 35-year-old outfielder posted acceptable numbers in 224 plate appearances for Houston this season with a .272/.323/.371, .300 wOBA and 87 wRC+. Given his age and role as a backup outfielder, Toronto will take those numbers given limited playing time.
When details come out about the prospect headed the Blue Jays direction, this story will be updated.