Giants Sit Arraez as Deadline Looms; Pirates Land Doval From Yankees

Arraez scratched as deadline talk intensifies

The San Francisco Giants pulled second baseman Luis Arraez from their lineup roughly half an hour before their Saturday game against the San Diego Padres, with the team citing lingering cramping from the previous night. The timing, less than 48 hours before Major League Baseball's trade deadline, fueled immediate speculation that the Giants were protecting their top trade chip. The San Francisco Chronicle reported that more than a dozen teams have inquired about Arraez and that the Giants are "asking for the ranch" in any deal.

Arraez, a three-time batting champion, entered the weekend leading the majors with a .328 average and had improved defensively at second base to rank among the league leaders at the position. Tampa Bay is viewed as the favorite if the Rays offer a strong enough package of prospects, while the Padres, Saturday's opponent, and Texas have also been connected to the infielder.

Pirates acquire Doval from Yankees

The Pittsburgh Pirates are acquiring right-handed reliever Camilo Doval from the New York Yankees in a bid to stabilize a bullpen that has been the chief obstacle to their postseason push. Pittsburgh is sending catcher Omar Alfonso and outfielder Luis Cruz to New York for the 29-year-old, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the trade was not yet official.

Doval was an All-Star in 2023 as the closer for the San Francisco Giants before arriving in New York. With the Yankees this season, he went 3-1 with a 4.54 ERA in 44 appearances, though he has struggled with command recently, issuing at least one walk in four of his last five outings, including two in a loss to the Chicago White Sox on July 29. Pittsburgh entered Saturday at 55-56 despite scoring the second-most runs in the majors and had already blown 20 saves this season; the club designated former closer Dennis Santana for assignment last month, leaving few right-handed options near the back of the bullpen.

Other deadline-day movement

The Angels also scratched pitcher José Soriano from their Saturday lineup, calling attention to trade interest in the right-hander. Such pregame scratches have become a familiar pattern on the eve of deadlines, with teams often choosing to keep valuable trade candidates out of harm's way when discussions with a specific club have advanced.

The Chronicle noted that Arraez is particularly suited to a precautionary day off because his contact-heavy swing has periodically left him sidelined after fouling balls off his foot. Whether Saturday's absence proves to be a simple recovery day or a quiet prelude to a deal will likely become clearer as the deadline approaches.