Oliver Officially Becomes a Dodger

The Dodgers made it official Thursday, announcing that they had acquired Al Oliver from the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for pitcher Pat Zachry.

Oliver, 38, brings with him a .305 lifetime average, and Dodger Vice President Al Campanis said he is “confident he (Oliver) will help bolster our offense.”

In 119 games with San Francisco and Philadelphia last season, the seven-time All-Star hit .301 with no home runs and 48 RBIs. It was the 11th time in his 16-year career that Oliver had batted .300 or better.

The trade had been in the works for some time but had been delayed by the inclusion of a deferred compensation clause in Oliver’s contract. Oliver, who reportedly earns $800,000 a year, is said to have agreed to take the money up front.

Thursday’s announcement did not indicate when Oliver would join the team. He will be competing for a starting spot either in the outfield or at first base.