Orioles Trade for Closer Francisco Rodriguez
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Mike McGinnis/Getty Images(KANSAS CITY, Mo.) — The Baltimore Orioles have acquired reliever Francisco Rodriguez in a trade from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for minor league infielder Nick Delmonico.
“We were trying to upgrade the pitching to give us a chance to make the run for the AL (East) title and the pennant. So we did what we had to do to help the team now, and we have enough players having good years at the plate,” Orioles vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette said.
The Orioles already have Jim Johnson as their closer, who leads the majors with 35 saves. Still, Rodriguez gives the Orioles another option late in games.
“We’re not playing for (anything) here. But going there now, every game is going to count. I’ve got to be on top of my game now and help them out,” Rodriguez said.
The 31-year-old Rodriguez has spent the past three seasons with the Brewers. He went 1-1 with 10 saves and a 1.09 ERA in 25 games this season.
Delmonico, a sixth-round draft pick in 2011, was hitting .244 in 60 games for Class A Frederick.
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