The Red Sox shouldn't mess around at Thursday's MLB trade deadline. With the team right in the thick of the playoff race, the Boston brass has to go for it. A fourth straight October without playoff baseball will not be acceptable.

TRADE: The Red Sox have made a deadline deal, sending minor-league infielder Blaze Jordan to the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for 34-year-old pitcher Steven Matz. The Cardinals officially announced the move Thursday morning. The veteran lefty worked out of the bullpen in St. Louis, but has experience starting games.

The Red Sox sent former third-round pick Blaze Jordan to the Cardinals and remain engaged with numerous clubs about potential upgrades in other facets, as well.