Dodgers acquire reliever George Sherrill

LOS ANGELES, July 30 (UPI) -- The Los Angeles Dodgers strengthened their bullpen Thursday by acquiring reliever George Sherrill from the Baltimore Orioles.

In return, they sent the Orioles third baseman Josh Bell and right-hander Steve Johnson, both future prospects.

Sherrill, 32, had been Baltimore's closer this season and had amassed 20 saves (three blown) in 42 appearances (41 1/3 innings).

He is eligible for salary arbitration next season.

"I'm not really surprised because everybody's been talking about it for the longest time," the southpaw told MLB.com Thursday.

"Adding a quality reliever to our bullpen is important down the stretch and George is an established closer and an established left-handed pitcher, both of which are not easy to find," said Los Angeles General Manager Ned Colletti.

He has 55 career saves with Baltimore and the Seattle Mariners and likely will be a bridge to LA closer Jonathan Broxton.