McKendry, Roberson & Patino Traded at the Deadline

Following yesterday's trade of Durham Bulls infielder Kyle Manzardo to the Cleveland Guardians, the Tampa Bay Rays announced additional trades on Tuesday before that day's 6:00pm trade deadline.

Right-hander Josh Roberson has been acquired in a trade by the Chicago Cubs, in exchange for right-handers Manuel Rodriguez and Adrian Sampson, as well as International Signing Bonus Pool Space.

The 27-year-old Roberson compiled a 2-1 record and 4.50 ERA (36.0 IP) over 31 appearances with Durham in 2023, adding 43 strikeouts. He was acquired by the Rays as the player to be named later on May 14, 2022 in exchange for right-hander Louis Head.

Both Rodriguez and Sampson boast prior Major League experience with the Cubs. In 35 games this season with Triple-A Iowa, the former has posted a 2-4 clip and 4.42 ERA (38.2 IP), adding 13 saves in 14 opportunities along with 56 strikeouts. Sampson in seven games (four starts) with Iowa this year has tallied an 0-2 mark and 10.17 ERA (23.0 IP) and has appeared in 72 games (44 starts) at the Major League level with the Cubs (2021-22), Texas Rangers (2018-19) and Seattle Mariners (2016).

In addition, right-hander Evan McKendry has been acquired by the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for catcher Alex Jackson. McKendry this season owns an 8-3 record and 4.00 ERA (96.2 IP) in 20 appearances (15 starts), adding 95 strikeouts. Entering play today, he ranked tied for first in the International League in wins, while ranking second in batting average against (.232) and WHIP (1.17), as well as third in ERA and strikeouts. McKendry was selected by Tampa Bay in the ninth round of the 2019 MLB Draft out of the University of Miami.

Jackson in 45 games with Triple-A Nashville this year has accumulated a .286 average (48-168), adding 31 runs, seven doubles, one triple, 12 homer and 35 RBI along with a .914 OPS. He also boasts Major League Experience with three different clubs, including the Brewers (2022), Miami Marlins (2022) and Atlanta Braves (2019-21), totaling a .141 average (23-163) with 13 runs, five doubles, three homers and 12 RBI.

The Rays also announced that right-hander Luis Patino has been acquired by the Chicago White Sox in exchange for cash considerations. He has appeared in 43 games, including 22 starts, over the last three seasons with Durham, combining for a 9-7 mark and 5.05 ERA (108.2 IP), adding 113 strikeouts. He was acquired by the Rays in a December 29, 2020 deal along with catchers Francisco Mejia and Blake Hunt, plus right-hander Cole Wilcox in exchange for left-hander Blake Snell.

The Bulls begin a six-game road series on Tuesday evening versus the Nashville Sounds, the Triple-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers, with first pitch scheduled for 7:35pm.

Following that road set, Durham returns home to host the St. Louis Cardinals' Triple-A affiliate Memphis Redbirds on Tuesday, August 8. Tickets for that game and all remaining 2023 Durham Bulls contests are available and can be purchased by clicking here.