CHICAGO, July 8 (UPI) -- The Chicago Cubs got pitchers Rich Harden and Chad Gaudin from the Oakland Athletics Tuesday in exchange for four players.
The Cubs sent pitcher Sean Gallagher, outfielder Matt Murton, infielder Eric Patterson and catcher Josh Donaldson to Oakland.
Harden, a 26-year-old right-hander, led the Athletics pitching staff this season with a 5-1 record and a 2.34 ERA in 13 starts. He has 92 strikeouts in only 77 innings, and has allowed only five home runs in 2008.
However, Harden has not made 30 starts in a season since making 31 in 2004. He made only 16 combined starts in 2006 and 2007 while suffering from back and arm issues. He has a 36-19 career mark in 97 appearances in parts of six seasons, all with Oakland. He has been on the disabled list at least once a year since 2005.
