Cubs Obtain Reliever Henry Rodriguez From Nationals

After this evening game, the Cubs and Nationals announced a trade sending right-handed reliever Henry Rodriguez to the Cubs in exchange for right-handed pitcher Ian Dickson, who has pitched for Kane County this past season.

Rodriguez is a hard-throwing pitcher who briefly was the Nationals closer last season, but lost the job because of wildness and inconsistency. Over his five-year career with the Athletics and the Nationals, the 26 year-old Rodriguez has a 5-7 record with a 4.23 ERA. He has struck out over a batter an inning, but has also walked 6.1 batters per nine innings over the course of his career. This year, his control has been even worse, walking 8.0 batters per nine innings In 2011, he led the National League in wild pitches. Rodriguez has 11 career saves.

Rodriguez is out of options and had been designated for assignment last week.

Dickson was a 35th round pick out of Lafayette in 2011. In 11 games (three starts) for Kane County this year, Dickson threw 35.1 innings and was 2-2 with a 6.88 ERA. He does have a decent k/9 and k/bb rate, which is probably why Washington wanted him.

To make room on the 40 man roster for Rodriguez, the Cubs designated Eduardo Sanchez for assignment.

If any of you still have some stale "Oh Henry" candy bars from the days of the Cubs left fielder of the same name, you can now put them to good use.