SEATTLE, Aug. 6 (UPI) -- Less than a week after criticizing team management for standing pat at the trade deadline, Seattle setup man Jeff Nelson was traded Wednesday.
He went to his former team, the New York Yankees, for inconsistent reliever Armando Benitez. The swap of veteran righthanders helps both teams, neither of whom was enamored with recent events surrounding the veterans.
"This trade gives Bob more options in the bullpen," said Seattle Vice President Pat Gillick. "Benitez has had great success this season and throughout his career getting left-handers out. He's a high quality set-up guy and has nearly 200 career saves, which gives us additional protection as (closer Kazuhiro) Sasaki returns from his injuries."
Nelson, 36, rejoins the team with which he had his greatest success, teaming with closer Mariano Rivera and lefthander Mike Stanton on the Yankees' four most recent World Series championship teams.
Benitez, 30, traded to the Yankees on July 16, went 1-1 with a 1.93 ERA in nine appearances.
