M’s send Guardado to Cincinnati Reds

CINCINNATI – Trying to bolster their struggling bullpen, the Cincinnati Reds will turn to former All-Star closer Eddie Guardado.

The Reds obtained Guardado and cash from the Seattle Mariners for minor league pitcher Travis Chick on Thursday. The trade came hours after the latest in this season’s series of bullpen meltdowns – blown leads in the 10th and 13th innings of a 6-5 loss at Milwaukee.

“Guardado lost his closer’s role at Seattle this season, but he’ll get the chance to claim the job in Cincinnati. The 35-year-old lefty is expected to join the Reds in Atlanta today.

The Mariners exercised their 2006 option for Guardado for $6.25 million. Seattle sent about $2.5 million to the Reds.

This year, the normally reliable reliever known as “Everyday Eddie” struggled and was demoted in May after blowing three save chances. Guardado was 1-3 with five saves and a 5.48 ERA, and was serving as a setup man for J.J. Putz.

Guardado had 36 saves with a 2.72 ERA in 58 games for the Mariners last year.

“Eddie had some struggles early on this season that allowed some of our young guys to run the back of the game and they got that job and haven’t let go,” Mariners general manager Bill Bavasi said.

Guardado had a 3.77 ERA in 19 games since losing his closer role.

“Lately, he’s been doing a lot of what he does. He is back to the Eddie of old,” Bavasi said.

“This guy battled hard,” said Bavasi, noting that Guardado pitched through knee and shoulder troubles during his Seattle tenure.

The 22-year-old Chick was 4-5 with a 4.61 ERA for Double-A Chattanooga. The Reds acquired the righty from the San Diego organization last July in a deal for third baseman Joe Randa. Chick will report to Double-A San Antonio.