Gonzalez traded to Rangers, Tatum catching tonight (more)

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

August 31, 2011, 11:20am

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The Orioles traded left-hander Michael Gonzalez to the Texas Rangers today for a player to be named later. They just sent out a press release. The Orioles recalled left-hander Zach Phillips from Triple-A Norfolk to take Gonzalez's place on the 25-man roster. Gonzalez, 33, went 2-2 with one save and a 4.27 ERA in 49 appearances this season. He hasn't allowed a run in 13 straight outings, surrendering five hits, walking one and striking out 15 over 12 1/3 innings. Gonzalez went 1-3 with one save and a 4.01 ERA in 29 games last season, losing his job as closer and spending time on the disabled list with a strained left shoulder. Gonzalez is reunited in Texas with former Orioles reliever Koji Uehara. Also, the Orioles outrighted pitchers Mitch Atkins and Mike Ballard, removing them from the 40-man roster. They added left-hander Mark Hendrickson. Meanwhile, Craig Tatum will be behind the plate tonight instead of Matt Wieters. Perhaps Wieters is being saved for tomorrow afternoon's game. For the Orioles: J.J. Hardy SS Nick Markakis RF Adam Jones CF Vladimir Guerrero DH Mark Reynolds 1B Robert Andino 3B Nolan Reimold LF Ryan Adams 2B Craig Tatum C Jo-Jo Reyes LHP The Blue Jays designated reliever Brian Tallet for assignment.