Nevin nixes trade to Baltimore

BALTIMORE – San Diego Padres first baseman Phil Nevin on Monday rejected a trade that would have sent him to the Baltimore Orioles for pitcher Sidney Ponson.

The proposed deal was contingent upon Nevin’s approval. He has the right to block a trade to eight teams, including the Orioles.

“Phil has elected to stay with the Padres and will be treated as a full member of the team,” Padres general manager Kevin Towers said. “However, with the team competing for the National League West title, playing time is going to be determined by both his performance and the performances of other players that will ultimately give us the best chance to win.”

Nevin, 34, is batting .263 with nine home runs, 11 doubles and 47 RBIs in 71 games.

Ponson is 7-9 with a 5.91 ERA.

Nevin would have provided the Orioles with a much-needed right-handed power hitter, one who would have given 40-year-old first baseman Rafael Palmeiro an occasional day off. Nevin and Palmeiro probably would have alternated between first base and designated hitter.

The non-waiver deadline is Sunday afternoon, so Ponson still may be dealt by the Orioles. He has not won a game for Baltimore since June 18.