The Mets have traded a player to be named later to the Athletics for lefty reliever Eric O'Flaherty , the Mets announced after Tuesday's victory.If you find yourself wondering how a trade could happen since the non-waiver deadline is July 31, here's an explanation as to how trades work in August.O'Flaherty, 30, is familiar with the NL East, having spent 2009-13 with the Braves. He was outstanding in his time there, too, pitching to a 1.99 ERA and 1.16 WHIP. He was one-third of the deadly back-end trio of O'Flaherty, Jonny Venters and Craig Kimbrel. 
O'Flaherty had Tommy John surgery in 2013 and returned late last season with Oakland. He was productive, with a 2.25 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 15 strikeouts against four walks in 20 innings.This season has been a different story, however, as he has a 5.91 ERA and opponents are hitting .312/.396/.430 against him. Basically, he's making everyone look like an All-Star.Still, O'Flaherty has a great track record and has always been good at stranding inherited runners (only 53 of 231 have scored against him in his career, a 23 percent clip). As well, a switch back to a weak-hitting NL East will likely help.O'Flaherty being a lefty is a big deal here, too. Alex Torres has been designated for assignment as a corresponding move, so O'Flaherty and Sean Gilmartin are the two left-handers in Terry Collins' bullpen.Matt Snyder/CBS Sports
O'Flaherty had Tommy John surgery in 2013 and returned late last season with Oakland. He was productive, with a 2.25 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 15 strikeouts against four walks in 20 innings.This season has been a different story, however, as he has a 5.91 ERA and opponents are hitting .312/.396/.430 against him. Basically, he's making everyone look like an All-Star.Still, O'Flaherty has a great track record and has always been good at stranding inherited runners (only 53 of 231 have scored against him in his career, a 23 percent clip). As well, a switch back to a weak-hitting NL East will likely help.O'Flaherty being a lefty is a big deal here, too. Alex Torres has been designated for assignment as a corresponding move, so O'Flaherty and Sean Gilmartin are the two left-handers in Terry Collins' bullpen.Matt Snyder/CBS Sports
If you enjoyed this article, please consider sharing it!
