Rays acquire Burke Badenhop from Marlins
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- The Tampa Bay Rays have acquired right-handed relief pitcher Burke Badenhop from the Miami Marlins in exchange for Minor League catcher Jake Jefferies.
Badenhop, 28, started the 2011 season at New Orleans (AAA) but was recalled by the Marlins on May 7 and went 2-3 with a 4.10 ERA (63.2-IP, 29-ER) through the end of the season. The righty has spent parts of the last four seasons (2008-11) with the Marlins, going 13-15 with a 4.34 ERA (250.2-IP, 121-ER) over 151 appearances (10 starts) in the major leagues. In seven seasons in the minors, he has compiled a 34-17 record with a 2.96 ERA (462.1-IP, 152-ER). He was originally drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 19th round of the 2005 June Draft and was acquired by the Marlins in 2007 as part of the trade involving Miguel Cabrera.
Jefferies, 24, split the 2011 season between Charlotte (A) and Montgomery (AA) and combined to bat .238 (53-for-223) with two home runs and 32 RBI. The backstop was originally selected by the Rays in the third round of the 2008 June Draft and has batted .254 over four professional seasons.