Mets trade for A's starting pitcher Paul Blackburn

The New York Mets' top priority as Tuesday's trade deadline approached was to improve a pitching staff beset by injuries and ineffectiveness. They addressed the matter with three minor moves in the final hours before the clock struck 6 p.m. ET.

The dealing started with New York acquiring right-handed starting pitcher Paul Blackburn from the Oakland Athletics. Minutes later, the team agreed to a deal with the Tampa Bay Rays for right-handed reliever Tyler Zuber. They concluded their activity by landing Huascar Brazoban, another right-handed reliever, from the Miami Marlins.