Bobby Abreu has another chance to prove he can thrive under playoff pressure.
The New York Yankees acquired the two-time all-star right fielder and starting pitcher Cory Lidle from the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday for four minor-league prospects.
Desperate for pitching and a productive bat in their depleted outfield, the Yankees took on Abreu’s hefty contract, hoping he can help them catch first-place Boston in the AL East.
“It’s a team everyone wants to go to,” said Abreu, who slumped badly in the second half last season, when the Phillies finished one game behind NL wild-card winner Houston.
A .301 career hitter, Abreu fills a major void in the lineup.
New York has been without injured outfielders Gary Sheffield and Hideki Matsui for most of the season.
“Things started heating up with Philadelphia in the last few days,” Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said. “The commitment left with Bobby is a pretty good commitment. This club has worked so hard and with so much fight. If I could, I wanted to give it a chance to win.”
Abreu’s arrival could mean Sheffield won’t return to New York next year. The Yankees hold a $13 million option on his contract for 2007.
The Phillies get left-hander Matt Smith and Single-A shortstop C.J. Henry – a first-round draft pick in 2005. They also landed rookie-league catcher Jesus Sanchez and right-hander Carlos Monasterios.
“You never think you got enough, but we’re happy with what we got,” general manager Pat Gillick said.
Abreu, who already has an apartment in New York, received $1.5 million from the Phillies to waive his no-trade clause and accept the deal. The Yankees owe him about $4.3 million of his $13.5 million salary this year, plus $15.5 million next season. He has a club option for $16 million in 2008 with a $2 million buyout. The Yankees did not exercise that option.
Lidle provides depth in a rotation that has struggled because of injuries and inconsistency. The 34-year-old right-hander is 8-7 with a 4.74 ERA in 21 starts this season.
“I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t get a pitcher back,” Cashman said. “I had to get Lidle or the deal didn’t get done.”
Philadelphia designated right-hander Ryan Franklin for assignment.
Cardinals: St. Louis acquired second baseman Ronnie Belliard from Cleveland for Hector Luna.
Belliard, an all-star in 2004, gives the NL Central-leading Cardinals a steady, everyday second baseman for the stretch run.
First baseman Albert Pujols was scratched from the starting lineup Sunday against the Chicago Cubs because of a hyperextended right elbow.
Rangers: Texas traded right- handed reliever Bryan Corey to the Boston Red Sox for minor- league pitcher Luis Mendoza.
Corey was designated for assignment Tuesday when the Rangers activated starting pitcher Adam Eaton from the disabled list.
Devil Rays: All-star pitcher Scott Kazmir (left shoulder) and infielder Ty Wigginton (broken bone in left hand) were placed on the 15-day DL.
Dodgers: First baseman Nomar Garciaparra was placed on the 15-day DL with a strained ligament in his right knee.
Padres: Right-hander Chan Ho Park was placed on the 15-day DL with abdominal pain and right-hander Mike Thompson was recalled from Triple-A Portland (Ore.).
Orioles: Baltimore activated left-hander Tim Byrdak from the 60-day DL and recalled Eddy Rodriguez from Triple-A Ottawa after placing LaTroy Hawkins on the bereavement list.
Hawkins, the setup man for closer Chris Ray, left the team to attend the funeral of his grandmother.
