ST. LOUIS — The St. Louis Cardinalsacquired left-handers Jon Lesterfrom the Washington Nationals and J.A. Happ and cash from the Minnesota Twins on Friday, in deals finalized in the last hour before the trade deadline.
In exchange, the Cardinals sent right-handed pitcher John Gant and a minor-leaguer to the Twins and outfielder Lane Thomas to the Nationals.
The 38-year-old Happ is in his 15th major league season, his first with the Twins after signing for $8 million this year.
Happ started strong, coming within five outs of a no-hitter on April 23 against Pittsburgh, but over his last 14 starts he has an 8.74 ERA with 109 hits and 19 homers allowed in 70 innings.
The Cardinals also sent minor league left-handed pitcher Evan Sisk to the Twins in the deal.