Braves Get Reliever Mercker From Reds

The Atlanta Braves added a left-hander to their bullpen Tuesday, acquiring Kent Mercker from the Cincinnati Reds for a player to be named.

Mercker rejoins the team he pitched for from 1989 to ’95. During that time, he was involved in two no-hitters -- against the Dodgers in 1994 and a combined effort against San Diego in 1991.

The Braves talked to other teams about acquiring a pitcher before the July 31 deadline for trades without waivers, but decided to stand pat and look for someone to become available in August. They lead the National League East by 12 games.

Closer John Smoltz is having another dominating season, but the rest of the bullpen has been inconsistent.

“I was looking at the standings and they’re 12 games up,” Mercker said. “It amazes me that they want me. They got rid of me once. I guess they think with a 12-game lead, I can’t screw it up.”

Mercker, 35, was one of the Reds’ most dependable relievers when he wasn’t injured. He had an 0-2 record with a 2.35 earned-run average in 49 appearances.

A sprained lower back forced him onto the disabled list from June 28 to July 9.

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Carlos Febles, once considered Kansas City’s second baseman of the future, was designated for assignment and is probably finished with the club.

Febles, 27, who broke in with the Royals in 1999, began the season with a .252 career average. He was batting .235 with 11 runs batted in this season.

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New York Yankee pitcher Jon Lieber threw 54 pitches at Tampa, Fla., during his third batting practice session in the last week.

Lieber is recovering from elbow reconstructive surgery last summer.

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Even with Barry Bonds in the ballpark, former President Clinton was the biggest hit at Shea Stadium.

Clinton attended the game between the San Francisco Giants and New York Mets, and visited both clubhouses. He also signed baseballs and shook hands with dozens of fans.

“I’m a baseball nut, what can I say?” said Clinton, flanked by several Secret Service agents.

It was Clinton’s first visit to Shea Stadium since Jackie Robinson Night on April 14, 1997, when the Mets honored the man who broke baseball’s color barrier with the Brooklyn Dodgers 50 years earlier. Robinson’s No. 42 was retired by every team in the majors.