Call to the pen
Fansided

St. Louis Cardinals acquire Zach Duke from the Chicago White Sox

By Jason Evans

Jul 6, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Zach Duke (33) throws a pitch against the New York Yankees during the ninth inning at U.S. Cellular Field. Chicago defeats New York 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 6, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Zach Duke (33) throws a pitch against the New York Yankees during the ninth inning at U.S. Cellular Field. Chicago defeats New York 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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The St. Louis Cardinals were looking for some back-of-the-bullpen depth and got that in acquiring Zach Duke from the Chicago White Sox.

As the St. Louis Cardinals look to make another postseason appearance, they needed another bullpen piece. Today they got it by acquiring Zach Duke from the Chicago White Sox.

Duke is 2-0 this season with a 2.63 ERA. In 37.2 innings, he’s struck out 42 batters. He’s signed through next season at $5 million. He was part of their spending spree two offseasons ago with closer David Robertson.

Lefties are hitting .264 against Duke this season, while righties are hitting .182 so he’s not a traditional LOOGY, He can be used for more than that.

Charlie Tilson was the Cardinals’ 12th-ranked prospect according to MLB Pipeline. He was the second round pick of the Cardinals back in 2011. This season at AAA Memphis, Tilson is hitting .282 with a .753 OPS. Speed is his game, as Tilson stole 46 bases last season in AA.

Duke will pair with Kevin Siegrist as lefties out of the bullpen. With Trevor Rosenthal injured and ineffective, they needed an additional arm. The Cardinals have plenty of young outfielders in the majors and coming up. They have prospects in the lower minors like Harrison Bader and Magneuris Sierra along with Randal Grichuk, Tommy Pham and Stephen Piscotty at the major league level.

Next: Wade Davis to have MRI

The White Sox get a younger piece to use in their outfield. They could move Adam Eaton or Melky Cabrera, and Austin Jackson has been injured. Maybe if one of them are moved, Tilson will have a chance to play.

Look for both teams to make more moves as we get closer to the deadline.

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