The Washington Nationals began their sell-off Thursday, sending closer Brad Hand to the Toronto Blue Jays, the team announced.
The move comes one day before Friday’s trade deadline, and it could be the first of several trades general manager Mike Rizzo makes. Washington received 25-year-old Riley Adams in return from Toronto for Hand.
Hand joined Washington on a one-year deal this offseason, and he’s appeared in 42 2/3 innings this season with 21 saves and a 3.59 ERA. He has struggled of late, giving up a combined seven runs in three appearances between July 21 and July 26.