Kerry Wood is traded to the Yankees
The New York Yankees acquired Cleveland Indians closer Kerry Wood(notes) near Saturday’s trading deadline in order to solidify the bridge from their starters to Mariano Rivera(notes), according to reports out of New York.
Wood, whose various injuries and ailments have limited him to 23 appearances this season, could fill the eighth-inning role vacated in the Bronx by Joba Chamberlain’s(notes) ineffectiveness. The Yankees will send a player to be named and pick up $1.5 million of the $3.6 million still remaining on Wood's contract.
The fragile Wood was activated from the disabled list Saturday. He missed almost three weeks because of a blister on his right forefinger. He is 1-4 with eight saves and a 6.30 ERA in 20 innings with the Indians, who would be clearing as much of Wood’s contract ($10.5 million in 2010) as they could.
The Yankees also added Lance Berkman(notes) and Austin Kearns(notes) at the deadline.
