CHICAGO, Aug. 18 (UPI) -- The Atlanta Braves obtained first baseman Derrek Lee from the Chicago Cubs Wednesday, sending three pitching prospects to Chicago.
The Cubs had tried to trade Lee to the Los Angeles Angels this season, but he nixed the deal by exercising a no-trade rights as a 10-and-5 player -- 10 years in the league and five with the same team.
But Lee told reporters he has OK'd the trade to Atlanta.
"It just felt right," he said. "The main thing, though, is that we have six weeks to go. Atlanta is in first place. They're playing great baseball. The chance to go to the post-season -- it's hard to pass up."
The first baseman has been bothered by a sore lower back and missed Wednesday's game between the Cubs and Padres. In 109 games this season, he has a .251 batting average, 16 homers and 56 runs batted in.
Right-handers Robinson Lopez and Tyrelle Harris and southpaw Jeffrey Lorick went from the Braves to the Cubs in the deal.
