FORMER SHEBOYGAN A'S PITCHER WASBURN TRADED
2009-07-31
SEATTLE -- The Mariners have traded left-handed pitcher Jarrod Washburn to the Detroit Tigers for rookie left-hander Luke French and pitching prospect Mauricio Robles.
The Yankees, who have been considering an upgrade to their rotation, and Mariners also had spoken briefly about a proposal involving Washburn on Thursday afternoon, a source told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney.
Major League Baseball's trade deadline is 4 p.m. ET Friday.
General manager Jack Zduriencik told ESPN's Peter Gammons that there was heavy interest in Mariners ace Felix Hernandez.
"I had calls," Zduriencik told Gammons, "and I listen to everyone. But it would have taken too much to even discuss a realistic trade."
Washburn has turned around his career this season. After three lackluster years in Seattle, the left-hander is 8-6 with a 2.64 ERA this season. He had won four consecutive starts before taking a no-decision Tuesday against Toronto. In that stretch, the veteran allowed only three earned runs in 36 2/3 innings.
Washburn will be a free agent this offseason, and the Mariners decided to maximize his trade value.
French has split the season between Detroit and Triple-A Toledo. He is 1-2 with a 3.38 ERA in five starts for the Tigers.
