MLB notes: All-Star closer Jonathan Papelbon joins Nationals
All-Star closer Jonathan Papelbon wants to win another championship and become baseball’s career saves leader. He likes his chances with the Washington Nationals.
“The biggest reason why I accepted this trade to come here because I’ve played against these guys for four years now and I’ve seen the way the organization has become and it’s a fitting organization for me,” Papelbon said Wednesday, a day after he was traded from Philadelphia to Washington.
“It’s a bunch of baseball players here that want to win and that’s all I ask for, to come here and try to win and I think it was the best fit for me to get out of Philly. It made no difference to give up the $2 million to come here. To me it’s all about winning and being at a place that I’m happy.”
Papelbon helped Boston win the World Series in 2007.
In the deal Tuesday, the Phillies received Double-A right-hander Nick Pivetta and will pay Washington $4.5 million by Oct. 15, covering most of the $4,830,601 remaining on Papelbon’s salary this year.
“For years, I was supposed to get traded and for years it didn’t happen so there’s build up there,” Papelbon said. “It keeps building up and building up and when you get told certain things and it don’t happen there’s frustration involved, but I understand at the same time it’s a business as well. I’m just happy to be here and I’m happy to be free. I feel like it’s a new life.”
The 34-year-old Papelbon leaves Philadelphia as the franchise’s career saves leader with 123 and is also Boston’s leader with 219.
Papelbon said he would not accept a trade unless he would remain a closer, and agreed to waive his no-trade clause after getting the assurances he needed from Washington. Drew Storen, who has converted 29 of 31 save opportunities, will shift to primarily a setup.
Hamels heading to Texas
Two people familiar with the deal say the Philadelphia Phillies have agreed to trade ace left-hander and 2008 World Series MVP Cole Hamels to the Texas Rangers for a package of prospects.
Hamels would become the first pitcher in major league history traded during a season immediately after throwing a no-hitter – he no-hit the Chicago Cubs on Saturday at Wrigley Field.
Clearing the bases
Angels CF Mike Trout was out of the lineup for a second straight game on Wednesday against the Astros with an injured left wrist. He is listed as day to day. … The Red Sox have placed CF Mookie Betts on the seven-day DL for a concussion after he tumbled into Boston’s bullpen attempting to make a catch a night earlier. … Dodgers star Clayton Kershaw was scratched from his scheduled start against the Athletics on Wednesday due to hip soreness. He will start Friday.