Rays Deal SP Matt Moore to Giants

(photo credit: AP)

The San Francisco Giants made a deal at the buzzer on Monday afternoon, as they've acquired former Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Matt Moore. San Francisco has been looking for a left-handed arm, and Moore was one of the best on the market. The Rays will be getting Matt Duffy, Michael Santos, and Lucius Fox in exchange for Moore. Moore will be the second left-handed arm in the Giants rotation, joining ace Madison Bumgarner.

Moore is expected to slide in as the third pitcher in the rotation, behind Bumgarner and Johnny Cueto. Moore, 27, has posted a 4.08 ERA, and a 1.27 WHIP, with 109 strikeouts in 130 innings pitched. Other than Bumgarner, Moore is the only Giants starter that is under the age of 30. The Giants have had a strong rotation with Bumgarner, Cueto, and Jeff Sarmardzija, but the other two starters have been inconsistent this year.

Jake Peavy and Matt Cain have not been reliable options, so swapping Moore for either of those pitchers will instantly improve the Giants rotation. Moore is arbitration eligible next season, despite signing a 5-year deal worth $14 million with the Rays in December of 2011. Moore is two seasons removed from Tommy John surgery, but he's seemed to have no restrictions this year.

Moore has started 21 games this year, compiling a record of 7-7. Duffy was on the Giants major league roster this year, and he's been limited by an achillies injury. Duffy is batting .253, with four homers and 21 RBI's. Santos is 4-2 this year, with a 2.91 ERA, and a 1.13 WHIP in 58.2 innings pitched at Class-A Augusta. Fox is batting .207 with two homers and 16 RBI's in Class-A.