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Baseball notebook: Angels trade for Kazmir

Los Angeles picked up Scott Kazmir for the stretch run. (Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)
Associated Press
Los Angeles picked up Scott Kazmir for the stretch run. (Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)

Scott Kazmir was traded from the Tampa Bay Rays to the Los Angeles Angels on Friday night, giving the A.L. West leaders a major boost to their unsteady rotation.

The Angels acquired Kazmir, a two-time All-Star, for two minor leaguers and a player to be named. The left-hander was 8-7 with a 5.92 ERA this season for the defending A.L. champion Rays.

Tampa Bay receives left-hander Alex Torres and third baseman Matt Sweeney in the deal.

Because he was dealt before Aug. 31, Kazmir is eligible for postseason play with Los Angeles.

The move came as a bit of a surprise because the 25-year-old Kazmir was a key part of a talented young core that helped Tampa Bay go from perennial losers to pennant winners last year.

Twins land Rauch

The Minnesota Twins acquired the 6-foot-11 Jon Rauch, the tallest player in baseball history, from the Arizona Diamondbacks to help their beleaguered bullpen.

The 30-year-old Rauch went 2-2 with a 4.14 ERA in 54-plus innings for Arizona. He walked 17 and struck out 35 in 58 games this season.

Franklin working deal

The Cardinals and National League saves leader Ryan Franklin are negotiating a two-year contract extension that could allow him to end his career in St. Louis.

The 36-year-old Franklin made the All-Star team for the first time this season, and is 34 for 36 in save opportunities with a 2-1 record and 1.07 ERA in his first full season as a closer.

Hoffman claimed

Brewers closer Trevor Hoffman was placed on waivers and claimed by another team, but Milwaukee general manager Doug Melvin said he had not had any trade discussions involving the career saves leader.

Melvin declined to say which club claimed the 41-year-old Hoffman, but ESPN.com reported it was the San Francisco Giants.

Nats’ Morgan on DL

Nyjer Morgan likes to slide head first. The dangerous habit caught up with the Washington Nationals’ leadoff hitter.

Morgan was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a broken left hand, a day after he was injured stealing third base in a 5-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs.