Francisco Liriano's time with the Pirates came to a swift, surprising end Monday.
At the 11th hour before the non-waiver trade deadline, the Pirates traded the left-hander and two prospects to the Toronto Blue Jays for right-hander Drew Hutchison, according to a source.
Liriano, 32, was the Pirates' Opening Day starter each of the past three seasons. He went into a tailspin early this season and saw his ERA soar to 5.46 in 21 starts. He allowed four runs over five innings Sunday as the Pirates were swept by the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park.
The source confirmed Class AA Altoona outfielder Harold Ramirez, the Pirates' No. 5 prospect according to Baseball America, is headed to the Blue Jays. The Pirates have not announced the move.
Liriano resurrected his career in Pittsburgh and signed a three-year, $39 million free-agent contract before the 2015 season. He was 41-36 with a 3.67 ERA in 107 career starts for the Pirates. Liriano was making $13 million this season, tied for the Pirates' largest contract.
Hutchison, 25, was ranked by Baseball America as the Blue Jays' ninth-best prospect in 2012. He has a 4.92 ERA in 76 games, 73 starts in the majors.
