FILE - In this July 14, 2018, file photo, Baltimore Orioles' Zach Britton throws to a Texas Rangers batter during the ninth inning of a baseball game in Baltimore. A person familiar with the talks tells The Associated Press the New York Yankees are close to agreement on a trade to acquire Britton from the rebuilding Orioles for three prospects, a deal that would bolster New York's bullpen for the stretch run. (AP Photo/Gail Burton, File)
FILE - In this July 14, 2018, file photo, Baltimore Orioles' Zach Britton throws to a Texas Rangers batter during the ninth inning of a baseball game in Baltimore. A person familiar with the talks tells The Associated Press the New York Yankees are close to agreement on a trade to acquire Britton from the rebuilding Orioles for three prospects, a deal that would bolster New York's bullpen for the stretch run. (AP Photo/Gail Burton, File) Credit: Gail Burton

New York — To the New York Yankees, lefty J.A. Happ put check marks in a lot of boxes — familiar with the AL East, comfortable in the postseason and perhaps most importantly, successful against the Boston Red Sox.

Hours after ace reliever Zach Britton donned pinstripes for the first time, the Yankees also acquired the starting pitcher they sought. They got Happ from Toronto on Thursday for infielder Brandon Drury and minor league outfielder Billy McKinney.

The Yankees began the day 5½ games behind AL East-leading Boston. They were just 14-14 in their previous 28 games.

Happ, who turns 36 in October, is 10-6 with a 4.18 ERA in 20 starts and was a first-time All-Star. He joins a rotation that includes Luis Severino, Masahiro Tanaka, CC Sabathia and Sonny Gray. Manager Aaron Boone said it hasn’t been determined when Happ will make his Yankees debut.

Happ is 7-4 with a 2.98 ERA in 19 games against the Red Sox.

Cubs Add Hamels

Arlington, Texas — Cole Hamels is headed to the Chicago Cubs, pending medicals, according to multiple reports.

The Texas Rangers reportedly reached an agreement to send the veteran left-hander to the Cubs in exchange for minor leaguers. The Rangers will pick up a “significant amount” of Hamels’ salary to complete the trade.

Hamels is making $23.5 million this season, and has a team option for $20 million with a $6 million buyout for next season.

The Cubs need rotation help with Yu Darvish on the disabled list, and right-hander Tyler Chatwood struggling of late.

Hamels is 5-9 with a 4.72 ERA in 20 starts for the Rangers this season, but has been significantly better on the road than at Globe Life Park. He’s enjoyed postseason success, too, being named the 2008 World Series MVP.

Brewers Trade for Closer

Milwaukee — The Milwaukee Brewers acquired veteran closer Joakim Soria from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for two pitching prospects.

The 34-year-old Soria was 0-3 with a 2.56 ERA and 16 saves in 40 relief appearances with the rebuilding White Sox this season.

Astros Add Catcher

Anaheim, Calif. — The Houston Astros acquired catcher Martin Maldonado from the Los Angeles Angels. The Angels received left-hander Patrick Sandoval and international bonus pool money in return.

Maldonado’s contributions behind the plate helped the Angels’ starters post a 3.77 ERA.

Cubs’ Bryant on DL

Chicago — The Cubs placed third baseman Kris Bryant on the 10-day disabled list because his left shoulder is inflamed again.

This is the slugger’s second stint on the DL. The injury caused him to miss 16 games and affects the follow-through on his swing. Bryant didn’t play between June 22 and July 11.

The Nationals placed star pitcher Stephen Strasburg on the 10-day disabled list because of a nerve problem in his neck. The team said Thursday the right-hander has a cervical nerve impingement.

This is his second DL stint this season. He missed more than a month because of an inflamed right shoulder.

Injuries have limited Strasburg to 14 starts this season. He’s 6-7 with a 3.90 ERA.