Yankee Pitcher Candelaria Traded to Expos

Left-handed pitcher John Candelaria was traded today to the Montreal Expos by the New York Yankees for a player to be named later.

Candelaria, 35, who underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee and was disabled from May 6 until Aug. 19, pitched in 10 games this season, both as a starter and a reliever. He had a 3-3 record with a 5.14 earned run average in 49 innings.

The 14-year veteran was signed by the Yankees before the 1988 season and posted a 13-7 record with a 3.38 ERA in 25 games for the Yankees last year.

In his career, which included stays with the Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Mets and California Angels, Candelaria has a 167-105 record and 3.27 ERA.

Fit Role ‘Quite Well’

Expos Manager Buck Rodgers said he plans to use Candelaria out of the bullpen.

“He’s fit into the role quite well with the Yankees since he was brought back,” Rodgers said. “He had a knee operation earlier in the season, but his knee is 100% now.

“He has been effective; he’s throwing well now. We just feel he’s a quality guy we can add out there better than what we’ve got.”

The Expos bullpen has been depleted by injuries, with both Andy McGaffigan and Joe Hesketh on the disabled list.