MINNEAPOLIS – Riley Greene had two hits and two RBIs as the Detroit Tigers spoiled Minnesota’s big trade deadline day, beating the Twins 5-3 on Tuesday night.
Minnesota made big moves to bolster its hopes for a division title by acquiring starter Tyler Mahle and right-handed relievers Jorge López and Michael Fulmer before the deadline. Fulmer made the short walk from one clubhouse to the other after the trade from Detroit was announced.
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But it was the last-place Tigers, who were sellers, who earned a win on a sweltering night, snapping a three-game losing streak.
“You know you’re going to go out there, but you don’t exactly know who’s going to be on the field with you,” Detroit catcher Eric Haase said. “It’s always like that this time of year. Just kind of do what you can, but obviously letting go of two guys is huge.”
Jason Foley (1-0) earned his first career win with a scoreless inning in relief of starter Matt Manning, who was activated off the 60-day injured list before the game after missing three months with right shoulder inflammation. Gregory Soto earned his 20th save.
Greene, Akil Baddoo and Javier Báez had RBI singles in a three-run seventh inning.
“I liked the at-bats,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “The bottom of the order did a nice job of moving the ball forward. When we did make contact, they were important swings; couple good at-bats, some walks. Good to see Akil get a base hit and Riley back-to-back. Both guys have been scuffling a little bit, so it’s good to see some guys get a little hot.”
Griffin Jax (5-3) retired just one batter and allowed three runs on three hits in the seventh for Minnesota. Mark Contreras hit his first career homer for the Twins, who have lost five of seven.
Minnesota’s lead in the American League Central remained one game over Cleveland and the Chicago White Sox closed within two games.
It wasn’t the celebration the Twins were hoping for after seemingly filling their biggest needs before the deadline.
Mahle was added from the Cincinnati Reds for three highly regarded prospects. López, an All-Star closer for Baltimore this year, was acquired earlier in the day for four minor-league pitchers. Lopez and Fulmer were in uniform but didn’t see action.
“It was the coolest trade deadline I’ve ever been a part of because we identified our needs,” said Chris Archer, who started and pitched 4 1/3 innings for Minnesota. “We’ve had the needs for a while and we got pretty much every guy we wanted."
TIGERS MOVES
Detroit parted ways with two players before the trade deadline. Outfielder Robbie Grossman was traded to Atlanta on Monday night and Fulmer switched clubhouses on Tuesday, going to Minnesota.
“As I told both these guys, they both deserve the opportunity to go play in an environment of winning and a playoff chase,” Hinch said. “I just regret that it’s not here. I wanted it to be here for both those guys, especially Michael who has paid his dues in this organization.”
In exchange for Grossman, the Tigers got left-hander Kris Anglin, who was in Single A. The Twins sent right-hander Sawyer Gipson-Long to Detroit. Gipson-Long has reached Double-A this season.
Manning took Fulmer’s spot on the roster, and infielder Zack Short was recalled from Triple-A to take Grossman’s roster spot.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Tigers: Hinch said LHP Tarik Skubal has forearm inflammation and will undergo tests to determine the severity of the injury. Hinch said Skubal, who left Monday’s game after five innings, is hopeful to make his next start, but Hinch cautioned it’s unlikely. … Hinch said it’s possible RHP Wily Peralta (left hamstring strain) will be activated from the injured list in the next few days.
Twins: Alex Kirilloff was placed on the 10-day injured list with right wrist inflammation. President of Baseball Operations Derek Falvey said Kirilloff could opt for another surgery or try further treatment. … Miguel Sanó was transferred to the 60-day injured list and the team said an MRI showed a progressive cartilage injury that was there before Sanó had knee surgery. … Byron Buxton was out of the lineup for the second straight day as he deals with lingering knee problems.
UP NEXT
RHP Joe Ryan (7-4, 3.78 ERA) will start the series finale on Wednesday afternoon for Minnesota. Detroit will have LHP Tyler Alexander (2-4, 4.10) start. Ryan is coming off his worst start of the season, giving up 10 runs in 4 2/3 innings against San Diego. Alexander will make his second straight start after two months in the bullpen.
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