The Los Angeles Angels aren’t ready to concede the American League West to the Texas Rangers just yet.
And Sunday, the organization made an aggressive move to help bolster its chances.
Los Angeles will send LHP Joe Saunders, LHP Patrick Corbin, RHP Rafael Rodriguez and player to be named later to Arizona in exchange for All-Star RHP Dan Haren.
According to The Arizona Republic Diamondbacks’ beat writer Nick Piecoro, the player to be named later will be LHP Tyler Skaggs (the No. 40 overall pick in the 2009 Amateur Draft).
Arizona, in addition to getting Haren’s salary off the books, get a proven major leaguer in Saunders (6-10, 4.62 ERA).
The lefty will cost the Diamondbacks $3.7 million this season and between $6-7 million next year.
Currently six games behind the division-leading Rangers, the Angels came out of nowhere to steal Haren away from a slew of other suitors that included the Detroit Tigers and New York Yankees.
In 2010, Haren has a 4.60 ERA to go along with a 1.35 WHIP.
His 141 strikeouts lead the National League while his 141 innings pitched ranks fifth.
Haren is under contract through 2012 with a $15.5 million club option for 2013.
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