Red Sox deal left-hander Wells to San Diego

Left-hander David Wells was traded Thursday from the Boston Red Sox to his hometown San Diego Padres. The Padres were leading the wild-card race by a half game Thursday over Philadelphia, and trailing the division-leading Los Angeles Dodgers by three games. The Red Sox are to receive a player or cash.

Clearing the bases

Minnesota acquired first baseman Phil Nevin and cash from the Chicago Cubs for a player to be named. … Boston slugger David Ortiz said he is in good health and expects to return to the lineup Saturday after suffering from heart palpitations. … Tom Glavine will pitch for the New York Mets tonight in Houston for the first time in 16 days after being sidelined by a blood clot in his left shoulder.

Results of an MRI examination on New York Yankees reliever Mariano Rivera‘s right arm showed a mild muscle strain. … Houston right-hander Brandon Backe will have a ligament in his right elbow replaced and could be sidelined until 2008. … Atlanta acquired first baseman Daryle Ward from Washington for a minor leaguer. … Los Angeles got infielder-outfielder Marlon Anderson from Washington and cash for pitching prospect Jhonny Nunez. … Charlie Wagner, who pitched for the Red Sox during the 1930s and ‘40s, died at 93.