Hudson to Nats for RHP prospect Johnston

KANSAS CITY -- With their latest move, the Blue Jays have shipped another veteran reliever for a young pitching prospect, officially sending Daniel Hudson to the Nationals in exchange for right-handed pitching prospect Kyle Johnston ahead of Wednesday's 4 p.m. ET Trade Deadline.

Toronto’s clubhouse continues to get younger as the 10-year big league veteran departs. Hudson posted a 3.00 ERA over his 45 appearances and 48 innings this season, walking 23 and striking out 48. Primarily the setup man for the team north of the border, Hudson also stepped in for a pair of saves as closer Ken Giles dealt with elbow inflammation.

Johnston, who was the No. 27 prospect for Washington, has posted a 4.03 ERA over 20 starts and 105 innings in the Class A Advanced Carolina League for Potomac. According to MLB Pipeline, the 23-year-old right-hander has plus pitches in both his fastball and slider, although an inconsistent delivery, and he could be headed for a bullpen role in the long term.

The young hurler joins a group of pitching prospects acquired by the Blue Jays ahead of this year’s Trade Deadline that includes Anthony Kay, Simeon Woods-Richardson and Thomas Hatch.

Hudson’s departure follows that of fellow reliever David Phelps, who headed to the Cubs on Tuesday, and Marcus Stroman and Eric Sogard, who were traded to the Mets and Rays, respectively, on Sunday.