Neal Cotts to Twins: Latest Trade Details, Comments and Reaction

The Milwaukee Brewers announced they have traded relief pitcher Neal Cotts to the Minnesota Twins.

In return, Milwaukee will be acquiring cash or a player to be named later.  

35-year-old Cotts has pitched 49.1 innings this season with 48 strikeouts and a 3.28 ERA. He's been very effective against left-handed bats, allowing a .185 average and becoming a lefty specialist in Minnesota. 

But he has been experiencing problems keeping the ball in the park, giving up nine home runs this season. Any arm will help at this point though as the Twins bullpen situation was not looking good as of late, according to ESPN 1500's Patrick Reusse:

Ranked 22nd in the majors, the Twins bullpen carried an ERA of 4.20 while ranking in the top-11 in games lost with 20. Injuries were also taking their toll as Minnesota has been without relievers Blaine Boyer and Ryan Pressly

Cotts' acquisition is not going to turn things around enough for Minnesota to overcome a 12.5 game hole they've created in the American League Central, but a steady left-handed arm in the bullpen that is capable of getting a big out is certainly a step in the right direction.

Stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com