TORONTO TRADES FOR PITCHER KOEHLER
The Toronto Blue Jays acquired pitcher Tom Koehler from the Miami Marlins for pitcher Osman Gutierrez.
What does it give the Toronto Blue Jays
The Jays are suddenly in contention for an American League Wild Card spot, so they clearly think Koehler might be able to help them at some point the rest of the way--either in long relief or as a starter. He is struggling mightily this season in MLB (7.92 ERA, 12 starts for Miami) but has enjoyed big-league success in the past. He has additionally been impressive in Triple-A ball this season, so this is a low-risk move (considering the team's need for answers at the bottom of the rotation).
What does it give the Miami Marlins
Miami is probably out of the National League Wild Card picture, so moving the underachieving Koehler makes financial sense here. Newcomer Osman Gutierrez has suffered through a tough season in his inaugural year at Single-A (Lansing), sporting a dismal 7.85 earned-run average. That said, the 22-year-old brings an ideal pitcher's frame (6-4, 220 pounds) and pretty good strikeout potential. This is a decent acquisition for Koehler, who had clearly run his course with the Fish.
Fantasy impact
There is no immediate fantasy impact here for any of the Jays' or the Marlins' players, since Koehler might stay in the minors awhile and it looks certain Gutierrez will, as well. That said, keep Koehler's name in mind in case he continues to excel at Triple-A, then gets called up to start for Toronto down the stretch or (possibly) in the playoffs.
