Apparently, it’s permissible for teams to add players to their roster for the playoff drive.
MLBTR is reporting that the Pirates just traded for OF Marlon Byrd and catcher John Buck.
Given that salary, it’s a surprise to see that the Reds didn’t place a claim to block the Pirates from acquiring him. Cincinnati is just 3.5 games out of first in the NL Central while the Pirates are a half-game back of the Cardinals. All three NL Central teams would be in the playoffs if the season ended today, but the Reds and Pirates would face each other in the one-game Wild Card playoff.
Sigh.