Trades can only be effectively graded over the long haul.

But the string of impressive starts Jarred Cosart has put together in his first month has kept the Miami Marlins’ long-shot playoff hopes alive, and perhaps induced some seller’s remorse in the Houston Astros.

After shutting out the Braves for seven innings Saturday, Cosart took a shot at his former team while providing a glimpse at his motivation.

“Chip on the shoulder, obviously,” he said. “I didn't have a contract. I wasn't a high-paid guy, and it's kind of a slap in the face when you get traded from an organization that's one of the worst organizations in baseball over the last three years. So I just play with that extra chip on my shoulder, come here and it would be the icing on the cake if we could somehow get in the playoffs.”

Some prominent pundits immediately declared that the Marlins gave up too much in the trade deadline deal, which included Miami’s No. 1 draft pick in 2013, Colin Moran (No. 6 overall), promising outfielder Jake Marisnick and a competitive balance selection in next year’s draft.

None of that is being repeated now that Cosart has won three of his five starts for Miami with a 1.64 ERA. In the past four outings, the figure is a ridiculous 0.65.

In fairness to the Astros, the right-hander looked lost in four July outings when he went 1-2, 8.02.

The last of those was against the Marlins. Manager Mike Redmond said he had no inkling at the time that a deal might be in the works.

“At Houston, he had good stuff and just wasn’t really sure how to use it,” Redmond said after Saturday’s win.

Cosart has repeatedly credited pitching coach Chuck Hernandez, who he had worked with a few years ago in the Phillies organization, for getting him refocused and simplifying his approach.

What Redmond likes best is the bulldog mentality that Cosart has displayed with playoff possibilities on the line.

“Some guys really need that adrenaline and they really thrive in those situations. I think for him going from Houston to our team, a team that’s young and headed in the right direction and we’re fighting for a playoff spot, that energizes guys,” Redmond said. “Those are the kind of guys a manager wants on the ballclub.”

As for the repertoire Cosart has displayed so effectively, Redmond said, “He’s able to get some movement on that fastball and that keeps guys from squaring him up. He’s got a nice curveball. He’s been able to mix it up, and his changeup will continue to be a weapon against lefties. All those pitches will continue to get better as he logs more and more innings.”

As for Cosart’s feelings about the unexpected career move, he said, “I'd like to be a Marlin for the rest of my career, if that's in the cards. I know it's a business. So, that's no disrespect to the Astros, but hopefully one day I can make them get the bad end of that trade.”