Mets Send Harnisch to Brewers

Pitcher Pete Harnisch was traded from the New York Mets to the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday, a day after he was dropped from New York’s roster and blasted Manager Bobby Valentine.

The Mets got minor league outfielder Donny Moore for Harnisch in a deal announced during the Brewers’ game against Pittsburgh.

“Obviously, I think he needed a change of scenery,” Brewer General Manager Sal Bando said. “It gets us an experienced arm for the next 30 days.”

The trade came on the last day teams can add players and still have them eligible for the postseason roster.

“It’s great for Pete. We all wish him the best. This is what he wanted,” Valentine said after the Mets’ 4-1 victory at Baltimore. “Hopefully he’ll do well and be there a long time.”

Harnisch was 0-1 with an 8.24 earned-run average in four starts since returning from a four-month absence because of depression. He was the Mets’ starter on opening day and got a no-decision, then left the team a few days later because of his illness.

“I know that he is a tough guy, he’s a bulldog. He’ll give us everything he’s got,” Brewer Manager Phil Garner said. “I’m not concerned with the depression. I’m concerned about the fact that he hasn’t pitched a lot.”

Harnisch was dropped from the rotation last week and bumped to the bullpen. The demotion prompted him to say he would become a free agent and leave the Mets after the season.