Veteran right-hander Brandon Kintzler is on the move for the second straight non-waiver Trade Deadline, as the Nationals dealt the sinkerballer to the Cubs on Tuesday in exchange for Minor League right-hander Jhon Romero, Washington announced.
The Nationals also activated third baseman Anthony Rendon from the family medical leave list.
Kintzler, 31, went 1-2 with a 3.59 ERA in 45 appearances out of the Nationals' bullpen this season with 31 strikeouts and 13 walks in 42 2/3 innings. He was dealt by the Twins to Washington last July after posting 28 saves for Minnesota. His 2018 salary is $5 million, and he's controllable through next season, with a $10 million team option for '19.
Kintzler spent the first six years of his career with the Brewers before signing with Minnesota as a Minor League free agent before the 2016 season. He earned a midseason promotion and gradually established himself as the Twins' closer, earning American League All-Star honors in '17.
Chicago has now made three pitching acquisitions at this year's Trade Deadline, headlined by its trade for Cole Hamels on Friday. The Cubs also traded for another veteran righty, Jesse Chavez, from the Rangers on July 19.
Romero, 23, went 1-2 with a 3.27 ERA over 32 relief appearances for Chicago's Class A Advanced Myrtle Beach affilliate. The Colombian native was not ranked among the Cubs' Top 30 Prospects according to MLB Pipeline.