Yankees Get Abreu, Lidle for Prospects

The New York Yankees acquired All-Star right fielder Bobby Abreu and starting pitcher Cory Lidle from the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday for four minor league prospects.

Desperate for pitching and a productive bat in their depleted outfield, the Yankees took on Abreu’s hefty contract, hoping he can help them catch first-place Boston in the American League East. Abreu, a .301 career hitter, received $1.5 million from the Phillies to waive his no-trade clause and accept the deal. The Yankees owe him about $4.3 million of his $13.5 million salary this year, plus $15.5 million next season.

*

The Texas Rangers traded right-handed reliever Bryan Corey to the Boston Red Sox for minor league pitcher Luis Mendoza. Corey was designated for assignment Tuesday when the Rangers activated starting pitcher Adam Eaton from the disabled list.... The St. Louis Cardinals acquired second baseman Ronnie Belliard from Cleveland for Hector Luna.

*

Alfonso Soriano said he has not decided whether he would consider signing a long-term contract with a team that wanted him as an outfielder.

“I think I’m a second baseman,” Soriano said before the Washington Nationals played at Dodger Stadium on Sunday. “I’m playing left field, but I’ve played left field for three months. I’ve played second base for five years.”

The Angels -- who expect Howie Kendrick to play second base for them next season -- Dodgers, Detroit Tigers and Houston Astros are considered probable landing places if Soriano is traded by today’s 1 p.m. deadline.

-- Bill Shaikin

*

The San Diego Padres placed right-hander Chan Ho Park on the 15-day disabled list with abdominal pain and recalled right-hander Mike Thompson from triple-A Portland so he could start Sunday against the Colorado Rockies.... The Atlanta Braves placed Chipper Jones back on the 15-day DL because of a strained abdominal muscle.

From the Associated Press