Braves trade Ricardo Rodriguez for outfielder Matt Diaz
The Braves have acquired outfielder Matt Diaz through a trade with the Royals. Minor league pitcher Ricardo F. Rodriguez was sent to the Royals in exchange for the outfielder. The 27-year-old Diaz hit .371 with 14 home runs and 56 RBIs in 65 games at Triple-A Omaha last season. He then batted .281 in 34 games upon being recalled to the majors by the Royals. Diaz will likely platoon with Kelly Johnson and/or Ryan Langerhans in the outfield next season. Rodriguez was 3-9 with a 5.34 ERA and 80 strikeouts at Class A Myrtle Beach in 2005. He was also suspended for using steroids. The team removed outfielder Onil Joseph from the 40-man roster by outrighting him to Double-A Mississippi a few days before the trade. Diaz has taken his place on that roster.
