Mariners trade Rhodes to Florida

SEATTLE, July 31 (UPI) -- The disappointing Seattle Mariners sent veteran reliever Arthur Rhodes to the Florida Marlins before Thursday's trading deadline.

Rhodes, 38, a 17-year veteran, bolsters the Marlins' bullpen with his 2-1 record and 2.86 ERA in 36 relief appearances.

He was expendable in Seattle because, with their 40-67 record, the Mariners occupy last place in the AL West Division and will miss the post-season.

Rhodes, who is fully recovered from "Tommy John" elbow surgery, which caused him to miss the 2007 season, saw his streak of 18 consecutive scoreless appearances end Wednesday. He has a career record of 77-61 and a 4.28 ERA with five teams.

The Marlins entered Thursday night's home game against the Colorado Rockies with a 57-51 mark, good for third in the NL East, 1 ½ games behind division leader Philadelphia. They acquired Rhodes after efforts to land Boston out-fielder Manny Ramirez fell flat.

Ramirez was dealt to the LA Dodgers in a three-team trade that sent Pittsburgh outfielder Jason Bay to Boston while relief pitcher Craig Hansen and outfielder Brandon Moss leave Boston for Pittsburgh and the Pirates also get third baseman Andy LaRoche and pitcher Bryan Morris from the Dodgers.