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Reardon Traded to Braves

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From Associated Press

Jeff Reardon, the major leagues’ all-time saves leader, was traded by the Boston Red Sox to Atlanta on Sunday as the Braves tried to bolster their bullpen for the stretch.

The trade, in which the Red Sox received two players to be named, was announced with Atlanta 4 1/2 games ahead of second-place Cincinnati in the National League West. Alejandro Pena, who leads the Braves with 15 saves, went on the disabled list Aug. 21 with pain in his right elbow.

Reardon, who passed Rollie Fingers this year to take over the saves lead, had 27 saves in 35 chances for Boston this season. He was 2-2 with a 4.25 ERA in 46 appearances.

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However, he has pitched only 7 1/3 innings since July 31.

“I’m very happy about going to Atlanta. It’s a good deal for me. I pick up 18 games in the standings,” Reardon said.

“No, I wasn’t surprised. They showed no interest in signing me here,” he said. “I didn’t pitch very well, though I wouldn’t say they misused me. I’m sure Atlanta will use me a lot.”

Said Braves’ general manager John Schuerholz: “We’re very pleased to have been able to acquire a pitcher the caliber of Jeff Reardon, who over the years has established himself as one of the premiere relievers in baseball. His 27 saves this season prove he still ranks in that category.”

The move allows Reardon to be eligible for postseason play. Players must be with a team on Aug. 31 to be eligible for the playoffs and World Series.

It is the second consecutive season the Braves dealt for a closer for the stretch run. Pena was acquired by Atlanta from the New York Mets on Aug. 29, 1991, and went 2-0 with 11 saves in 11 chances over the remainder of the season.

Reardon, who has been with Boston since 1990, gave up 53 hits and 20 earned runs in 42 1/3 innings, with six homers, just seven walks and 32 strikeouts. But opposing teams are hitting .308 against him.

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“I’m not worried about pitching in pressure, I’ve done it before,” he said. “It was a dream getting to pitch for the Red Sox. Atlanta was the other team interested in signing me (in 1990), and I’m glad they didn’t forget about me.”

Reardon, eligible for free agency following the season, has 354 saves in 14 major league seasons.

The trade was announced after Boston’s 4-2 victory in 10 innings over the Angels. Red Sox Manager Butch Hobson said he got a call from general manager Lou Gorman informing him of the trade, and therefore did not use Reardon in a save situation in the 10th inning.

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