Yankees trade for Rodriguez

The Detroit Tigers traded veteran catcher Ivan Rodriguez to the New York Yankees for hard-throwing reliever Kyle Farnsworth on Wednesday.

Rodriguez, a 14-time All-Star in the option year of a $50 million deal he signed with the Tigers in February 2004, will step into the hole in the Yankees’ lineup created by Jorge Posada’s season-ending shoulder injury.

The 36-year-old Rodriguez, who has won the Gold Glove award 13 times, was hitting .295 with five homers.

Farnsworth was 1-2 with a 3.65 ERA in 45 games for New York.

•Also, the Yankees traded reliever LaTroy Hawkins to the Houston Astros for minor league infielder Matt Cusick.

Hawkins was 1-1 with a 5.71 ERA in 33 appearances this season for the Yankees.

New York also sent cash to the Astros as part of the deal.

Big day for Shoppach

Cleveland Indians catcher Kelly Shoppach tied a major league record with five extra-base hits – two home runs and three doubles – in a 14-12 13-inning loss to the visiting Detroit Tigers.

Shoppach became the eighth player in the majors to get five extra-base hits in a game, including two before 1900. He was only the second A.L. player to accomplish the feat – Indians Hall of Famer Lou Boudreau did it in 1946 with one homer and four doubles.

Shawn Green was the last player to do it in the majors. He homered four times and doubled for the Los Angeles Dodgers on May 23, 2002.

Sabathia takes out ad

CC Sabathia is winning games in Milwaukee and hearts in Cleveland.

The left-hander, traded from the Indians to the Brewers on July 7, took out a large ad in the Cleveland’s daily newspaper, The Plain Dealer – a $12,870 thank you to the community, the team and its fans.

“Thank you for 10 great years … You’ve touched our lives with your kindness, love and generosity. We are forever grateful! It’s been a privilege and an honor!” read the ad, signed by CC, his wife Amber and the Sabathia family.

Clearing the bases

Chicago Cubs closer Kerry Wood had another setback when the blister on his right index finger prevented him from throwing a simulated game. Wood was eligible to return from the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday. He’s been out since July 11. … Oakland plans to activate designated hitter Frank Thomas from the DL, where he has been since May 29, as early as Friday. … Los Angeles Angels minor leaguer Thomas Mendoza was suspended 50 games for testing positive for an amphetamine