Giants trade pitcher Valdez to Toronto

By foxsports
Published

The San Francisco Giants have traded right-hander Merkin Valdez to the Toronto Blue Jays for cash.

The 28-year-old Valdez was designated for assignment last Thursday to clear roster room for newly signed cleanup hitter Aubrey Huff.

Valdez went 2-1 with a 5.66 ERA in 48 relief appearances last season. The 6-foot-5 Valdez underwent reconstructive elbow surgery on Sept. 27, 2006, and returned briefly in 2008 before going on the disabled list with further elbow trouble.

In spring training 2008, many other clubs were interested in acquiring the hard-throwing righty if the Giants didn't keep him for a comeback bid.