Marlins Get Koch From White Sox

The Florida Marlins acquired reliever Billy Koch from the Chicago White Sox for minor league infielder Wilson Valdez late Thursday night.

The deal was announced shortly after the Marlins beat the White Sox, 2-1, in 12 innings in Miami.

The Marlins acquired Koch and cash from the White Sox, who had recently replaced the right-hander with Shingo Takatsu, Japan’s all-time saves leader, as the team’s closer.

“I was sort of expecting it a little bit, but I didn’t think [Florida],” Koch said. “Through the grapevine, I hear things. I never heard the Marlins, but it’ll be good. I like the heat, I like the sun.”

Koch, 29, appeared in 24 games this season with eight saves in 11 opportunities and a 1-1 record, but he had a 5.40 earned-run average. He gave up 24 hits and 15 runs in 23 innings.

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The New York Mets acquired right fielder Richard Hidalgo from the Houston Astros for right-handers David Weathers and Jeremy Griffiths.

Hidalgo was in the midst of a disappointing season. He recently lost his starting job to Jason Lane.

“He hasn’t played on a regular basis,” Met Manager Art Howe said. “He’ll get that opportunity here.”

The Mets also get $4 million from the Astros as part of the deal to offset the difference in salaries.

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New York Yankee right-hander Mike Mussina threw off a mound and felt no problems from the ailing groin that forced him out of his last start.

Mussina plans a more strenuous bullpen session Saturday in Los Angeles, then is aiming to return to the rotation when the Yankees play a three-game series next week in Baltimore.

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Oakland Athletics’ closer Arthur Rhodes took a two-day leave of absence from the team for personal reasons.

Oakland also put outfielder Billy McMillon on the 15-day disabled list because of inflammation in his lower back and recalled right-handed pitcher Justin Lehr from triple-A Sacramento.

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Rob Derksen, the manager of Greece’s Olympic baseball team and a Baltimore Oriole scout, died of a heart attack, the Orioles said. He was 44.

Derksen died Wednesday while in New York on Olympic-related business.