Hernandez sent to D-backs
In an effort to bolster their starting pitching in the tight battle for a National League postseason berth, the Arizona Diamondbacks Monday acquired veteran right-hander Livan Hernandez from the Washington Nationals in exchange for pitching prospects Garrett Mock and Matt Chico.
Hernandez, 31, is 9-8 with a 5.34 ERA, and is the younger half-brother of Orlando “El Duque” Hernandez, whom the Diamondbacks traded to the New York Mets earlier this season.
Hernandez led the National League for the past three seasons in innings pitched, and also led the league in 2004 and ‘05 with 35 starts.
Reds get pitcher Franklin
An injury to right-hander Gary Majewski spurred the Cincinnati Reds to make another move for their bullpen, acquiring right-hander Ryan Franklin from the Philadelphia Phillies.
The Reds received money to pay part of Franklin’s $2.6 million deal for this season. They’ll give the Phillies a player to be named after the season.
The move came after Majewski told the team that he’s been bothered by a sore shoulder. Majewski was placed on the 15-day disabled list.
The Reds also put right-handed reliever Jason Standridge on the 15-day DL with back spasms and activated left-hander Kent Mercker.
Comeback finalists named
Jim Thome and Nomar Garciaparra are among 12 finalists selected to vie for the comeback player of the year awards in the A.L. and N.L. Thome and Garciaparra have bounced back from injury-plagued seasons with new clubs.
Thome, traded by Philadelphia to the Chicago White Sox in the offseason, is joined by Magglio Ordonez of Detroit, Corey Patterson of Baltimore, Curt Schilling of Boston, Frank Thomas of Oakland, and Rafael Soriano of Seattle as American League finalists.
Garciaparra, now with the Los Angeles Dodgers after a short stay with the Chicago Cubs, was nominated on the N.L. side along with New York’s Carlos Beltran, Florida closer Joe Borowski, Johnny Estrada of Arizona, Edgar Renteria of Atlanta, and Scott Rolen of St. Louis.
Garciaparra is on the disabled list.
O’Neil doing well
Former Negro Leagues star Buck O’Neil was resting comfortably after being hospitalized in Kansas City, Mo.
The 94-year-old O’Neil was admitted to a hospital Saturday after complaining that he didn’t feel well.