Blue Jays send former top pick McGuire to A's

NEW YORK -- The Blue Jays traded former No. 1 Draft pick Deck McGuire to the A's on Friday afternoon in exchange for cash considerations.

McGuire, a right-handed pitcher was designated for assignment during the All-Star break to make room for left-hander Brad Mills. The veteran Mills has since been designated for assignment, but he cleared waivers and will report to Triple-A Buffalo.

The minor trade of McGuire is a fitting end to his tenure in the Blue Jays' organization. Toronto selected McGuire with the 11th overall pick in the 2010 First-Year Player Draft, but he never lived up to expectations.

McGuire spent parts of four seasons in Double-A New Hampshire before eventually getting promoted to Buffalo earlier this year, though he continued to battle control problems.

The 25-year-old was the first Draft selection made during Alex Anthopoulos' time as general manager. With the Bisons, McGuire went 3-5 with a 5.56 ERA while striking out 38 batters in 55 innings.