The D-backs agreed to a deal with the Marlins to acquire right-handed reliever Brad Ziegler on Tuesday, a source told MLB.com's Jon Paul Morosi. The agreement, not confirmed by either club and still pending the review of medical information, was first reported by MLB Network insiders Ken Rosenthal and Jon Heyman.The 38-year-old Ziegler, who played for Arizona from 2011-16, has a 3.98 ERA over a National League-high 53 appearances this year. In his last 28 outings, Ziegler has posted a 0.64 ERA, holding opponents to a .157 batting average and a .493 OPS.The veteran submariner entered June with a 7.88 ERA but has turned his season around, thanks in part to a mechanical change that reduces stress on his back.
Ziegler made his Major League debut with the A's in 2008 and, aside from Arizona and Miami, has also pitched for Boston during his 11-year career. The veteran has been traded once before on Deadline Day, going from Oakland to Arizona on July 31, 2011. Ziegler recorded 62 saves in his first stint with the D-backs, setting a franchise record by converting 43 consecutive saves from May 29, 2015, to June 20, 2016.Ziegler -- who signed a two-year, $16 million deal with Miami in December 2016 -- will be a free agent after this season, and he is owed $3.5 million for the remainder of this year. The rebuilding Marlins have the opportunity to add young pieces in exchange for Ziegler, who is expected to be a major asset out of the bullpen for Arizona's postseason run.With two career postseason appearances under his belt for Arizona and Boston, Ziegler joins closer Brad Boxberger, Archie Bradley, T.J. McFarland, Jorge De La Rosa and Yoshihisa Hirano in a loaded bullpen for Arizona, which entered Tuesday a half-game behind the NL West-leading Dodgers at 59-49.
Deesha Thosar/ MLB.com
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