Cardinals' Lynn disappointed by Leake trade: 'That’s tough'

The St. Louis Cardinals are only five games back of the National League Central-leading Chicago Cubs, but that didn't stop them from trading starter Mike Leake to the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday.

After the trade was made official, Cardinals right-hander Lance Lynn appeared to be disappointed with the team's decision to deal Leake while still in the postseason mix.

"So we’re five back in both and we’re taking away a pitcher who can pitch 200 innings and get outs at a high level," Lynn told Rick Hummel of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "That’s tough."

The Cardinals didn't acquire major-league talent for Leake, instead receiving minor-league infielder Rayder Ascanio.

Leake struggled to a 8.88 ERA in August and is owed $53 million after this season, so perhaps the Cardinals made the deal to secure some financial flexibility, some of which could be used to sign Lynn long term, although Lynn said that hadn't been discussed.

“You can’t say that. There’s been no talks. There’s been zero communication, whatsoever," he said of a possible extension with the Cardinals. "I’m sure whenever the time comes - when the World Series is over and five days after, I’m sure somebody will talk to me. I just don’t know who it is. They’ve had a whole season. Five days isn’t going to matter.

"But I just work here."

After the trade, the Cardinals' rotation is expected to contain Lynn, Carlos Martinez, Michael Wacha, Luke Weaver and whoever St. Louis calls up to take Leake's place.

John Gant, Sean Gilmartin, and Jack Flaherty are options.