GIANTS SEND SLATER TO THE REDS
The Cincinnati Reds acquired outfielder Austin Slater and cash considerations from the San Francisco Giants for pitcher Alex Young.
What does it give the Cincinnati Reds
The Reds have been dealing with a rash of injuries in their outfield. Bringing in Slater will provide them with more depth until some of their injured players return. He will likely be a platoon player getting most of his playing time against left-handed pitchers, as he has a .275 average against them during his seven-year career. The cash helps offset the difference in salary between the two players.
What does it give the San Francisco Giants
Slater had fallen down the depth chart in San Francisco with Heliot Ramos and Luis Matos asserting themselves at the big-league level. In Young, the Giants get a left-handed pitcher who has logged just three MLB games this season after a stint on the IL. In the minors, he sports a 1.19 ERA so he should get a chance sooner or later in a Giants bullpen that has been a revolving door of players.
Fantasy impact
Slater has really struggled this season. Between being on the IL and only hitting .200 with one home run and and nine RBI, he has hurt his fantasy value. He should see more playing time with the Reds initially, but at best he is a streamer option in a week where the Reds face a number of southpaws. Young is a low-leverage reliever when in the majors. He has no fantasy appeal.
