MLB scores: Oscar Taveras homers after Cardinals trade clears spot for him

Oscar Taveras made the most of Allen Craig's departure to the Boston Red Sox as part of a trade for starting pitcher John Lackey, hitting his second career home run in a 6-2 victory over the San Diego Padres.

St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Matheny was coy before the game, saying that the trade only simplified the situation in right field "for today", while telling the St. Louis Dispatch's Derrick Goold "I don't like that angle." Matheny was more complimentary after the game, telling MLB.com's Jenifer Lagosch, "Oscar getting something going was definitely a shot in the arm for us."

For his part, Taveras was ready for opposing pitcher Odrisamer Despaigne, having scouted him closely beforehand. "I prepared for the game by watching video of the pitcher and seeing what he throws," Taveras said through a translator. "I was looking for a changeup, and he threw it. I got a good result."

Sad Asdrubal Cabrera is sad

Asdrubal Cabrera sitting outside #Indians clubhouse after being traded to #Nationals. #MLB pic.twitter.com/SrwFVgpjmL

— Brian Dulik (@BrianDulik) July 31, 2014

Blue Jays 6, Astros 5

Royals 6, Twins 3

Reds 3, Marlins 1

Mariners 6, Indians 5

Phillies 10, Nationals 4

Angels 1, Orioles 0 F/13

Cubs 3, Rockies 1

White Sox 7, Tigers 4

Dodgers 2, Braves 1

Diamondbacks 7, Pirates 4