​Blue Jays, Mariners Swap Struggling Relievers in Benoit-For-Storen Trade

Here, you take my bad reliever and I'll send you mine.

In a classic change-of-scenery move, the Blue Jays and Mariners swapped struggling relievers late Tuesday night in a deal that sends Drew Storen and cash considerations to Seattle for fellow right-hander Joaquin Benoit.

Both Storen and Benoit have fairly strong track records but neither has delivered the type of production that's become expected of them. Storen, whom the Blue Jays acquired from the Nationals in the offseason for outfielder Ben Revere, was recently designated for assignment by Toronto after pitching to a 6.21 ERA and 1.59 WHIP over 38 appearances.

Benoit, meanwhile, sports a slightly better 5.18 ERA and 1.44 WHIP, while turning in his highest walk rate since 2008. He was in his first year with the Mariners after spending the previous two seasons in San Diego.

Both pitchers are free agents at the end of the season.

Storen, who lost his closer's job to Jonathan Papelbon in Washington last season, battled for the ninth-inning role in spring training but lost out to 21-year-old Roberto Osuna, and struggled in a set-up role before his opportunities eventually started to wane in Toronto.

Both teams are clearly hoping to benefit from fresh starts as they look to make a playoff push.

The Blue Jays won an extra-inning tilt Tuesday on a walk-off wild pitch to inch two games back of the American League East-leading Orioles, who visit Toronto for a three-game set starting Friday. Toronto is in command of the AL's first wild-card spot, leading Boston by 0.5 games.

Seattle, on the other hand, sits six games back of the AL West-leading Rangers, and 4.5 behind the Red Sox in the wild-card race.

The deal marked the second trade of the day for the Blue Jays, who also acquired outfielder Melvin Upton Jr. from the Padres.