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Prior to Sunday's series final with the Colorado Rockies, the Nationals traded reliever Luis Ayala to the NY Mets for shortstop Anderson Hernandez, who is currently in New Orleans, the Mets Triple-A affiliate. Hernandez is expected to join the team in Philadelphia on Tuesday.

Senior Vice President and General Manager Jim Bowden made the announcement in the Nationals clubhouse.

Clubhouse Audio: Jim Bowden

Ayala, the longest tenured player in the organization, signed with the franchise in December of 2002 as a Rule 5 draft pick. In his first year with the Expos, Ayala appeared in 65 games, compiling a 10-3 record with a 2.92 ERA and converted five of eight save opportunities.

Ayala followed up his rookie season with a stellar sophomore campaign, going 6-12 with a 2.69 ERA in 81 games out of the bullpen. In his third year, when the team moved to DC, Ayala went 8-7 with a 2.66 ERA in 68 games, but made just two appearances after August 21st due to right elbow troubles.

One of baseball's most durable relievers, Ayala had successful surgery to remove a bone spur from his right elbow after the 2005 season and didn't pitch at all in 2006. Ayala was ready for the 2007 season and in 44 games went 2-2 with a 3.19 ERA.

This year was a totally different story. Ayala struggled, going 1-8 with a 5.77 ERA in 62 games and didn't earn a save in four opportunities. He did lead the team in holds with 19 which was tied for fifth in the NL.

Ayala will go from a last place team to a team contending for a division title and playoff berth. He will also be reunited with Omar Minaya, former Expo and current Met General Manager, who signed Ayala back in 2002.

Ayala spoke about the trade and his time with the franchise.

Clubhouse Audio: Luis Ayala

Hernandez, a switch-hitter, was ranked as the No. 8 prospect in the Mets organization entering the 2006 season, but with the emergence of Jose Reyes, Anderson was limited to the role of bench player.

With New Orleans this season, Hernandez is batting .301 with 28 doubles, five home runs, 42 RBI, 16 stolen bases and 84 runs scored in 128 games.

Last season, Hernandez earned the Mets' Sterling Organizational Player of the Year award after hitting .301 with 28 doubles, five triples, five home runs, 42 RBI and 16 stolen bases in 128 games with New Orleans of the Triple-A Pacific Coast League. His 167 hits in 2007 ranked second in the 16-team PCL.

In 2005, Hernandez was named Double-A Binghamton team MVP en route to hitting .315 with 35 stolen bases at the two highest levels within the Mets' chain. The 25 year-old Hernandez has played in 35 games for New York (NL) the last three seasons, and was a member of the Mets' Opening Day 25-man roster in 2006.

When Manny Acta was third base coach for the Mets from 2005-06, he worked closely with Hernandez. Acta talked about what kind of player Hernandez is.

Clubhouse Audio: Manny Acta

Bowden also announced that the Nationals will make another roster move after the game. Right-handed pitcher Marco Estrada will be called up from Triple-A Columbus. Estrada was a combined 9-6 with a 3.09 ERA in 25 games between Harrisburg and Columbus this season.