Zack Littell lands with Reds in three-team trade with Rays, Dodgers

Zack Littell started the night as a member of the Rays, and by the time the 11-inning marathon of a game against the Yankees came to a close, he was set to become a member of the Reds. 

In the deal, Littell is heading to the Reds while the Rays are getting catcher Hunter Feduccia and right-handed pitcher Brian Van Belle, ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported.

The Dodgers are also involved in the swap and got three pieces: lefty Adam Serwinowski, righty Paul Gervase and catcher Ben Rortvedt, according to Passan.

It was moments before the game came to an end that Littell had been alerted to the news that he would be traded. 

“It’s something that obviously doesn’t sneak up on you, but I talked to [president of baseball operations Erik Neander] and he was…super transparent. I think there’s still some moving parts going on, but just part of the game,” Littell told reporters at his locker following the 5-4 loss to the Yankees. 

Littell started the game for the Rays and threw five innings, allowing two hits and striking out four before Garrett Cleavinger came in to take over at the start of the sixth inning. 

The right-hander is slated to be a free agent after this season. 

“I found out not long before [the final out],” Littell said. “I still don’t think technically it’s official, but [Neander has] kind of kept me in the loop and just said medicals are being exchanged. There are some moving parts that are going on, so I didn’t find out much before everybody else did.” 

The 29-year-old is 8-8 this season with a 3.58 ERA in 22 starts, and his penultimate start for Tampa Bay ironically came against the Reds last Friday, when he allowed five runs in a loss.

Littell has spent parts of three seasons with the Rays. 

“It’s hard to put into words. … The opportunity I got here truly has and will continue to change my life. Just extremely thankful,” he said.