The Los Angeles Dodgers today acquired left-handed pitcher Tony Watson from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for right-handed pitcher Angel German and infielder Oneil Cruz.
Watson, 32, has posted a 5-3 record with 10 saves and a 3.66 ERA (19 ER/46.2 IP) in 47 relief appearances with the Pirates this season. He has struck out 35 batters against 14 walks in 46.2 innings this year. Since the 2013 season, Watson has been one of the top relievers in the National League, ranking among the best (min. 250 IP) in wins (24, 1st), strikeout-to-walk ratio (3.72, 290 SO/78 BB, 3rd), ERA (2.42, 4th), WHIP (1.05, 4th), opponents' batting average (.227, 7th), opponents' OPS (.623, 7th) and saves (30, 9th).
Watson has a 31-16 career record with 30 saves and has posted a 2.68 ERA in 450 games in seven seasons with the Pirates (2011-17). He has held hitters to a .223 average, while striking out 380 batters against 121 walks in 433.0 career innings. The Sioux City, Iowa native was selected in the ninth round of the 2007 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of Nebraska.
German, 21, went 1-0 with seven saves and posted a 1.91 ERA (7 ER/33.0 IP) in 21 relief appearances with Single-A Great Lakes this season. In five minor league seasons, he's combined for a 3-15 with 5.10 ERA in 81 games (15 starts) after signing with the Dodgers as a non-drafted free agent on April 18, 2013.
In 89 games with Single-A Great Lakes this year, Cruz, 18, hit .240 with nine doubles, one triple, eight home runs, 36 RBI and eight stolen bases. In two minor league seasons, he posted a .259 batting average with 27 doubles, six triples, eight homers and 50 RBI after being signed as a non-drafted free agent on July 2, 2015.
In order to create room on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers designated outfielder Peter O'Brien for assignment.