The Los Angeles Dodgers had a busy transactional day Tuesday, as they made a few moves involving middle infielders. They finalized their three-year, $21 million contract with Juan Uribe, who will play second base for the Dodgers next year, and traded incumbent second baseman Ryan Theriot to the St. Louis Cardinals for pitcher Blake Hawksworth. The club now has 39 players on its 40-man roster.
Theriot, with the addition of Uribe, was a strong candidate to get non-tendered before Thursday night's deadline to tender contracts to arbitration-eligible players. Theriot was acquired with Ted Lilly from the Cubs on July 31, but hit just .242/.323/.283 in 54 games as a Dodger. He made $2.6 million last season, and figured to make more than $3.5 million through arbitration in 2011.
Hawksworth was used as a reliever and spot starter by the Cardinals over the last two seasons. He has an 8-8 career record with a 4.07 ERA in 130 1/3 career innings. He was 4-8 last year with a 4.98 ERA in 75 games, including eight as a starter. Hawksworth is out of options, which means if he doesn't make the club out of spring training he would be subject to waivers. He will likely be a candidate for the swing man role in the bullpen. Hawksworth, who turns 28 on March 1, won't be arbitration eligible until 2013.
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