Nationals pitcher Luis Ayala reaches for a bunt ball as Texas Rangers batter Nix races safely to first base in Arlington, Texas in this June 19, 2005 file photo.
(REUTERS/Bill Janscha)
Nationals pitcher Ayala traded to the Mets
Nationals pitcher Luis Ayala reaches for a bunt ball as Texas Rangers batter Nix races safely to first base in Arlington, Texas in this June 19, 2005 file photo.
(REUTERS/Bill Janscha)
August 17, 2008
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NEW YORK (Reuters) - National League (NL) East leaders the New York Mets have acquired relief pitcher Luis Ayala from the Washington Nationals in exchange for a player yet to be named, the team said Sunday.
Right-hander Ayala, the longest-tenured Nationals player, will be available for New York's fourth consecutive game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday.
Minor league infielder Anderson Hernandez, who has not yet cleared waivers, is expected to replace Ayala at the Nationals.
Since making his major league debut for the franchise with the Montreal Expos in 2003, Mexican Ayala ranks fifth among NL relievers with 87 holds. The 30-year-old is 27-32 with nine saves and a 3.33 ERA in 320 major league games.
The Mets, who have won eight of their last 10 games, lead the NL East standings by two games with a win-loss record of 67-56.
(Writing by Mark Lamport-Stokes in Los Angeles; Editing by Rex Gowar)
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