MLB notes: Cardinals get reliever Steve Cishek

The NL Central-leading St. Louis Cardinals bolstered their bullpen Friday, getting Steve Cishek in a trade with the Miami Marlins.

The Cardinals sent double-A pitcher Kyle Barraclough to Miami for the sidearming Cishek, who is 2-6 with three saves and a 4.50 earned-run average this year. The 29-year-old right-hander had trouble earlier this season and was sent down to double A but had an ERA of 0.71 in 13 games since returning to Miami in mid-June.

“He’s a guy that we never enjoyed facing,” Cardinals Manager Mike Matheny said before Friday night’s game against Atlanta.

“We’re excited to have him and we think he can help us out right away. I’ve already talked to him. He’s excited. He’s a guy who wants to come right in and make an impact.”

Etc.

Watching games on TV has been so difficult for injured Miguel Cabrera that the 10-time All-Star decided to join the Detroit Tigers on their 10-game trip. The first baseman took some light swings in batting practice Friday at Fenway Park in the next step in his recovery from a strained left calf. Cabrera declined to speculate when he’ll return. ...

The New York Mets promoted top hitting prospect Michael Conforto from double A and put him in the starting lineup against the Dodgers. ... The Houston Astros cleared roster space for newly acquired pitcher Scott Kazmir by optioning outfielder L.J. Hoes to triple-A Fresno.