SEATTLE — Eddie Guardado was acquired by the Twins on Monday in a trade with the Rangers for minor-league pitcher Mark Hamburger.
Guardado’s career appeared to be over when he had ligament replacement surgery on his elbow 23 months ago, but he’s healthy again and took over the closer role for the Rangers this month when C.J. Wilson got hurt. Guardado, 37, was 3-3 with a 3.65 ERA in 49 1/3 innings for Texas. Opponents are batting .220 against the left-hander this season.
Frank Francisco will move into the ninth-inning role for Texas. The right-hander does not have a career save and is 0-for-6 in save opportunities this season.
Bonds seeks dismissal
SAN FRANCISCO — Barry Bonds asked a federal judge to toss out most of the government’s case against him that charges the slugger lied to a federal grand jury about his alleged steroids use. Baseball’s home run king is charged with 14 counts of making false declarations to a grand jury in December 2003 and one count of obstruction of justice. His lawyers asked a judge to toss out 10 charges. He is scheduled for trial on March 2.
Footnotes.
John Maine was put on the 15-day disabled list because of a bone spur in his right shoulder.
• The White Sox activated all-star third baseman Joe Crede (back) and placed outfielder DeWayne Wise (groin) on the 15-day DL.
• The Blue Jays optioned outfielder Kevin Mench to Triple-A Syracuse (N.Y.) and sent minor-league catcher Robinzon Diaz to Pittsburgh to complete last week’s trade for utilityman Jose Bautista.
• Right-hander Johnny Cueto has a strained pitching elbow and will miss at least one start for the Reds.
• Allie Reynolds, Joe Gordon and Vern Stephens are among 10 players whose careers began before 1943 who will be considered by the Hall of Fame’s constituted Veterans Committee when it meets Dec. 7. Bill Dahlen, Wes Ferrell, Sherry Magee, Carl Mays, Mickey Vernon, Bucky Walters and Deacon White also will be on the ballot. The Associated Press
