Rays acquire reliever Chad Bradford from Orioles

SEATTLE - The first-place Tampa Bay Rays acquired reliever Chad Bradford from Baltimore on Thursday, bolstering their bullpen with a proven post-season pitcher. The Rays claimed the submarining right-hander on waivers, then got him from the Orioles in a trade for a player to be named. The 33-year-old Bradford is 3-3 with a 2.45 ERA this year. The durable reliever has made 47 appearances and thrown 40 1-3 innings. Bradford has a 0.00 ERA in 17 playoff games spanning 15 1-3 innings - no active reliever has pitched more innings in the postseason without giving up a run. Bradford has reached the playoffs with the Chicago White Sox, Oakland, Boston and the New York Mets. Tampa Bay began the day with a three-game lead over Boston in the AL East. The Rays open a series at Seattle on Thursday night, and Bradford is expected to join... [read full story]