Sep 12, 2011; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Josh Lueke (31) pitches to the New York Yankees in the 9th inning at Safeco Field. New York defeated Seattle 9-3. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-US PRESSWIRE
Written by
The Associated Press
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) - The Tampa Bay Rays have acquired right-hander Josh Lueke and a player to be named or cash from the Seattle Mariners for catcher John Jaso.
The trade was announced on Sunday.
Lueke made the Mariners opening-day roster last season, but was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma in April after allowing 12 runs over 6 1-3 innings in eight appearances. He rejoined the Mariners in July and in 25 games overall had a 1-1 record with a 6.06 ERA.
"Josh has the stuff to get hitters out in the American League East and began to show that during the second half of last season," Rays executive vice president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said. "We believe he can be an important part of our success here for many years."
Jaso batted .224 in 2011 with five home runs and 27 RBI in 89 games.
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