Diamondbacks acquire RHP Hernandez from Nationals

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PHOENIX (TICKER) -- With All-Star righthander Brandon Webb nursing a sore arm, the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday acquired workhorse Livan Hernandez from the Washington Nationals for two minor league pitchers.

The Nationals were actively shopping Hernandez, who is signed through 2007, but failed to make a deal before the July 31 non-waiver deadline. However, Hernandez successfully made it through waivers, giving Washington another shot to trade him.

The 31-year-old Hernandez is 9-8 with a 5.34 ERA in 24 starts this season. He last pitched on Sunday against the San Diego Padres and allowed two runs in seven innings.

That performance may have convinced the Diamondbacks to make the move for Hernandez. They are tied with Los Angeles (56-55) in the National League West Division, two games behind first-place San Diego (58-53). The Diamondbacks (56-55) also are just one game behind Cincinnati (57-54) in the wild-card race.

Also, the uncertain status of Webb was likely a factor in the deal as well. Webb, who is 12-4 with a 2.74 ERA, missed his scheduled start last Saturday due to tightness in his forearm.

The Nationals received righthander Garrett Mock and lefthander Matt Chico for Hernandez.

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Garrett Mock

Matt Chico

[broadwayjoe2]

Well maybe this gives a chance for the Jays to deal Ted Lilly (depending on his status after missing a start today)

I'd like to see at least on decent positional prospect enter the system in the next month or so.

[broadwayjoe2]

Chico looks like he's done fairly well at AA.

Otherwise I don't know a thing about him.

[TyPenn613]

The Diamondbacks are going to need a lot more rotation help than Livan Hernandez to stand a chance. Brandon Webb has more or less carried the pitching on that team. That said, I think Kim would stand a better chance in a September race than Jorge Julio.