Guardians acquire All-Star pitcher Foster Griffin

The Cleveland Guardians concluded a frenzied Major League Baseball trade deadline on Monday, August 3, with a series of significant moves aimed at bolstering their roster for a postseason push. The club's most notable acquisition was All-Star left-handed pitcher Foster Griffin from the Washington Nationals, headlining a multi-player swap finalized just minutes before the 6 p.m. ET deadline.

In the deal for Griffin, the Guardians sent four players to Washington: left-handed pitchers Will Dion and Josh Hartle, right-hander Kendeglys Virguez, and outfielder Nick Mitchell. Hartle is ranked as Cleveland's No. 25 prospect. Griffin, 31, has been a breakout performer this season, posting a 12-3 record with a 3.06 ERA and 116 strikeouts over 22 starts, earning his first All-Star selection. After spending three seasons with the Yomiuri Giants in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball league, he signed a one-year deal with the Nationals last offseason and emerged as their ace.

Earlier on Monday, the Guardians also acquired first baseman Nathaniel Lowe from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for right-handed pitching prospect Alejandro Rivera. To make room on the 40-man roster, Cleveland...