Settling the Score: Wednesday’s results

Blue Jays right-hander Scott Copeland was terrific in his first major league start Wednesday afternoon against the Marlins, firing seven innings of one-run ball in a 7-2 win at Rogers Centre in Toronto. The 27-year-old former 21st-round pick walked none, whiffed four, and scattered six hits over his seven frames. Justin Smoak, Josh Donaldson, and Russell Martin each went 2-for-4 and combined for five RBI.

It’s the eighth straight victory for the Jays, who are now just three games back of the first-place Yankees in the American League East standings. Copeland was sent to Triple-A Buffalo after the game, but he should get another shot soon.

Wednesday’s matinee assignment was only meant to be a spot start for Copeland.

Your box scores and AP recaps from Wednesday …

Phillies 2, Reds 5

Marlins 2, Blue Jays 7

Nationals 5, Yankees 4 (11 innings)

Cardinals 4, Rockies 2

Mariners 9, Indians 3

Cubs 12, Tigers 3

Royals 7, Twins 2

Astros 1, White Sox 4

Rangers 4, Athletics 5

Diamondbacks 7, Dodgers 6

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The Mariners are in the midst of reconstructing their roster, a process which most recently resulted in the trade of first baseman/DH Edwin Encarnación to the Yankees, per a report from ESPN’s Jeff Passan. While the teams have yet to publicly confirm the deal, the Mariners are expected to receive pitching prospect Juan Then and will likely eat a significant portion of Encarnación’s salary as well.

Encarnación is a sizable get for the Yankees, who could benefit from the veteran’s power and consistency in their ongoing drive toward the postseason. The 36-year-old infielder missed some time with a bout of lower back tightness, dental issues, and soreness in his left hand, but has still maintained a decent .241/.356/.531 batting line with an AL-best 21 home runs, an .888 OPS, and 1.7 fWAR through his first 289 plate appearances of the year. Per Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, Encarnación has another $11-12 million left on his contract in 2019, with a $20 million option for the 2020 season and a $5 million buyout.

Then, 19, was acquired by the Yankees in a three-person trade with the Mariners during the 2017 offseason. The right-hander currently ranks no. 27 in the Yankees’ system and made his last pro ball appearance for New York’s rookie-level affiliate in 2018, pitching to a 2.70 ERA, 2.0 BB/9, and 7.6 SO/9 across 50 innings. It’s not clear if any other players are involved in the trade, though USA Today’s Bob Nightengale notes that no other prospects are thought to be included in the package for Encarnación.