SEATTLE -- Just because the Trade Deadline has passed doesn't mean the Rays won't stay active. On Thursday, they picked up reliever Chad Bradford in a trade with the Baltimore Orioles.

 

The veteran right-hander was assigned to the Rays via a waiver claim for a player to be named later.

 

"We are excited to add Chad to our bullpen," general manager Andrew Friedman said via a text message. "He gives us a very different look from what we currently have. He's an extreme groundball pitcher that should enjoy a lot of success pitching in front of our infield defense."

 

Bradford is expected to join the team in Seattle on Friday, at which time the Rays will have to make a corresponding roster move.

 

Bradford, 33, was 3-3 with a 2.45 ERA in 47 relief appearances for the Orioles this season. He has appeared in 68 or more games in five of the past six seasons, and he finished third among American League relievers with 78 appearances for the Orioles in 2007.

 

He will likely be used in situations when a double play is needed in addition to being used in a setup capacity, joining the likes of Dan Wheeler, J.P. Howell, and Grant Balfour, who currently set up closer Troy Percival.

 

Bradford signed a three-year contract with the Orioles as a free agent on Nov. 30, 2006. He currently makes $3.5 million and will make the same in 2009, including various incentives.

 

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20...sp&c_id=mlb

Nice pickup by the Rays.

great pickup, especially if they make the playoffs. He will be key for them.

nice pick up for the rays. anything to help them win the division.

Guy is deadly in the playoffs. Good pick up.