Diamondbacks Acquire Jason Marquis

It is being reported that the Diamondbacks have completed a trade with the Washington Nationals for right handed starter Jason Marquis. They have sent Washington A-level (South Bend) short stop Zach Walters in return.

Jason Marquis was drafted by the Atlanta Braves and played four years for them followed by three in St. Louis, where he won the Silver Slugger award in 2005. Marquis also pitched for the Cubs and Rockies. He had a rough 2010 with Washington, undergoing elbow surgery in April and only making 13 starts on the year and amassing a 6.60 ERA. He has turned it around this year, with an 8-5 record and 3.95 ERA in 20 starts.

Marquis also has good career numbers against the NL West and in particular the San Francisco Giants. It is suspected he might pitch in the upcoming series at AT&T Park, possibly taking Josh Collmenter's start directly or being slotted in and sliding down Ian Kennedy or Daniel Hudson by a day. Edited: This is now confirmed, he will start Wednesday afternoon's game instead of Collmenter, but no word on whether that will be a permanent spot for him in the rotation.

Marquis is at the end of a 2-year contract with the Nationals and is making $7.5 million this season. The Diamondbacks will take on all of the $2.47 million owed to Marquis for the last two months.

It's also worth noting that because we only gave up a minor leaguer in this deal, someone on the big league team will have to be sent down (or traded). My guess is Alberto Castillo, particularly after last night's performance against the Dodgers with Kevin Towers sitting right behind home plate. The Marquis move also puts the Diamondbacks' 40-man roster at 40. Edited: Well, Ryan Cook was called up for tonight and Alberto Castillo was placed on the disabled list with shoulder tendonitis. Marquis will not join the team until Monday in San Francisco, so no move needs to me made until then.

So now we have a Duke and a Marquis. Oh the possibilities for recap titles....