Cubs make two trades

By: Scott Grodsky Facebook | Twitter

Posted: Jul 31, 2019 10:03 PM CDT

CHICAGO, Ill. (CBS 58) -- The Chicago Cubs acquired outfielder Nicholas Castellanos from the Detroit Tigers for two minor league pitchers.

The 27-year-old Castellanos hit .273 with 11 home runs and 37 RBIs for Detroit this season. He's played third base and in the outfield during his career and has been considered a liability defensively, but Castellanos gives Chicago a productive bat against left-handed pitching.

Detroit received right-handers Paul Richan and Alex Lange.

Castellanos is tied for the major league lead with 37 doubles. He has a .347 average and a 1.026 OPS this year in 72 at-bats against lefties.

It was the Cubs second trade on deadline day after moving catcher Martin Maldonado to the Astros in exchange for Tony Kemp. The Cubs got Maldonado from the Kansas City Royals earlier in July.

The 32-year-old Maldonado has started 74 games behind the plate this year. He also spent time in Houston last year, playing 41 games for the Astros.

The 27-year-old Kemp was designated for assignment Friday. He hit .227 in 66 games for the Astros this year.