Dodgers trade Aaron Harang to Rockies for Ramon Hernandez
Aaron Harang will be a starting pitcher again, but not with the Dodgers.
Harang was traded Saturday morning to the Colorado Rockies, who sent the Dodgers veteran catcher Ramon Hernandez in return. Hernandez is expected to back up A.J. Ellis.
One of eight well-paid starting pitchers on the Dodger staff, Harang was sent to the bullpen against his wishes. Unlike Chris Capuano, who was met with the same fate, Harang had little experience pitching in relief.
Harang, 34, is in the second year of a two-year, $12-million contract. He pitched reasonably well for the Dodgers last season, finishing 10-10 with a 3.61 earned-run average.
The Dodgers had no place in their rotation for him after signing Zack Greinke and Hyun-Jin Ryu over the winter.
Hernandez, 36, was designated for assignment by the Rockies last week after failing to make their roster. Hernandez batted only .217 with five home runs and 28 runs batted in last season. He is owed $3.2 million this season.
Hernandez hit 18 home runs as recently as three years ago. He was an All-Star with the Oakland Athletics in 2003, when he hit .273 with 21 home runs and 78 runs batted in.
The Dodgers broke camp with rookie Tim Federowicz as their backup catcher. Federowicz is expected to start on Sunday, but could be sent to triple-A Albuquerque after that.
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