Mariners deal lefty J.A. Happ to Pirates

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The Pittsburgh Pirates added an experienced left-hander to their rotation Friday afternoon, landing veteran J.A. Happ in a trade with the Seattle Mariners moments after brokering a separate deal for Michael Morse.

In exchange for Happ, an impending free agent, the Pirates sent minor-league right-hander Adrian Sampson to Seattle.

Acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays this offseason, Happ struggled during his time in Seattle, posting a 4.64 ERA (80 ERA+) with a 1.41 WHIP through 20 starts and one relief appearance. Still, the 32-year-old provides a nice depth option for the Pirates' rotation, which owns the fourth-best ERA in the majors (3.35) despite the struggles of Vance Worley and Charlie Morton.

Sitting 5 1/2 games behind the St. Louis Cardinals for the NL Central division lead, the Pirates were among the busiest teams at the non-waiver trade deadline, adding veteran reliever Joakim Soria on Thursday before picking up Morse and Happ the following afternoon.