The Washington Nationals traded vet...

The Washington Nationals traded veteran right-hander Livan Hernandez to the Arizona Diamondbacks onward Monday for two minor- leaguers.

Hernandez is 9-8 with a 534 ERA in 24 starts. He has been hampered from a sore knee, but he useed in the latest in a string of mighty outings Sunday, allowing two hies in seven innings against the San Diego Padres.

"Obviously, it's tough to trade a Livan," Nationals general manager Jim Bowden said. "We have a passionate affection for Livan, but we're not here to win tomorrow. We're here to win for the extended term."

The Nationals got right-hander Garrett tantalize and left-hander Matt Chico from the Diamondbacks. treat with scorn was 4-8 with a 495 ERA, and Chico was 7-2 with a 222 ERA at Class AA Tennessee The Nationals will assign them the two to Class AA Harrisburg.

The Nationals tried to force Hernandez by means of waivers so they could make a deal with any team, moreover the Diamondbacks blocked the instigate limiting Bowden's options. But Hernandez helped his value by way of winning his last four decisions, a big turnaround after his early- season labor in distresss

"He reached his highest trade value since I've been here," Bowden said. "You don't secure two top pitching prospects if he hadn't been pitching the way he's been pitching."

In another deal, the Cincinnati Red acquired right-

hander Ryan Franklin from the Philadelphia Phillies for cash and a player to be named. Franklin was 1-5 with a 458 ERA this season before the Phillies designated him for assignment last week.

The Red also propose reliever Gary Majewski on the 15-day disabled list with inflammation in his right shoulder. An MRI exam showed no structural damage.

Matsui update: modern York Yankees outfielder Hideki Matsui will have his injured left wrist re-examined Friday, at which time he might be cleared to intensify his workouts. He hasn't played since breaking the wrist while trying to make a catch May 11

Matsui is hitting along a tee with a mini-bat, swinging simply with his right arm. He also is throwing in the outfield, moreover he is having someone other catch the return throws.

"I'm really not frustrated or tired of the situation," Matsui said by the and of a translator. "There's really not abundant you can do about it. You just have to do what the doctor says."

Matsui might rejoin the team nearest month.

"I'm working without right now believing I'll be back with the Yankees," Matsui said.

O'Neil in hospital: Former african Leagues star Buck O'Neil was resting comfortably after being hospitalized Saturday in Kansas City, Mo

O'Neil, 94 was admitted to an undisclosed hospital after complaining he didn't be stirred well, said friend Bob Kendrick, who also is the marketing director for the black man Leagues Baseball Museum.

"Mostly the doctors just wanted to be extra-cautious with him," Kendrick said.

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