Braves Get Derrek Lee In Trade From Cubs

ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Braves bulked up for the playoff race Wednesday, acquiring first baseman Derrek Lee from the Chicago Cubs.

The Braves sent three minor-league pitchers to the Cubs, none of them considered top-level prospects.

Atlanta already had Troy Glaus at first base but, in an unexpected move, the team announced he’ll go on the 15-day disabled list. General manager Frank Wren wants Glaus to rest his legs for a week, then head to Triple-A Gwinnett to get in some work at his former position, third base.

Presumably, the Braves envision a lineup late in the season – and the playoffs – that could include both Lee and Glaus.

Lee has put up disappointing numbers in the final season of his five-year, $65 million contract, hitting .251 with 16 homers and 56 RBIs. He’s also been bothered by a sore back that kept him out of the Cubs’ game Wednesday against San Diego.

But the Braves, leading the NL East by 2 1/2 games, are looking for any offensive help they can get after losing third baseman Chipper Jones to a season-ending knee injury. Just last season, the 34-year-old Lee hit .306 with 35 homers and 111 RBIs.

All-Star second baseman Martin Prado came off the disabled list Tuesday and moved over to third to fill in for Jones. By acquiring Lee, the Braves have expanded their roster options as they try to hold off the two-time defending NL champion Philadelphia Phillies.

The 34-year-old Glaus has put up solid numbers (.239, 16 homers, 70 RBIs) but the Braves said his body is worn down from the grind of the season – especially since he missed most of last season recovering from shoulder surgery. He got off to a slow start, then hit .330 with six homers and 28 RBIs in May to earn NL player of the month honors.

“His legs just didn’t hold up,” Wren said, though he was quick to praise Glaus’ contribution. “Quite frankly, we’re not in position to make a trade like this without Troy Glaus. He carried us.”

The Braves also received cash considerations in the deal. That’s probably to cover some of the nearly $3.3 million that Lee is still owed this season.