NEW YORK — The Yankees acquired 14-time all-star catcher Ivan Rodriguez from the Tigers on Wednesday for hard-throwing reliever Kyle Farnsworth, a trade that filled glaring holes for both contenders.
“Honestly, I was shocked by this, but that’s baseball,” Rodriguez said. “Now, I’m just looking forward to playing for the Yankees and maybe I will play against Detroit again in the playoffs.”
The 36-year-old Rodriguez, who has 13 Gold Glove awards, was hitting .295 with five homers in 82 games this season. Farnsworth was 1-2 with a 3.65 ERA in 45 games.
Later in the day, the Yankees traded former Rockies reliever LaTroy Hawkins (1-1, 5.71 ERA) to Houston for Single-A infielder Matt Cusick.
Wood suffers setback.
Cubs closer Kerry Wood had another setback when the blister on his right index finger prevented him from throwing a simulated game.
“Initially we had talked about a simulated game, bringing a few hitters here and let them get some work in with a little pad on his finger, but it didn’t happen because he’s really not close to coming back,” manager Lou Piniella said. “So why risk it?”
Wood was eligible to return from the 15-day disabled list Tuesday, but the right-hander hasn’t recovered from the blister that’s kept him out since July 11.
Footnotes.
The Athletics plan to activate designated hitter Frank Thomas (quadriceps) from the DL as early as Friday.
• Blue Jays third baseman Scott Rolen plans to skip some games and cut back on his batting practice while undergoing an “extensive” rehab program for his surgically repaired left shoulder.
• Reigning NL Cy Young Award winner Jake Peavy of the Padres will have his next start moved back to Saturday to give him an extra day of rest.
• Rangers outfielder Milton Bradley (quadriceps) is day to day.
