Reds trade for pitcher, bolster bullpen

CINCINNATI - The National League's best bullpen got even better Tuesday with the Cincinnati Reds acquiring relief pitcher Jonathan Broxton from the Kansas City Royals.

The deal was first reported by Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal about 30 minutes before Tuesday's 4 p.m. trade deadline. The Reds confirmed the deal around 4:30 p.m.

The Reds sent pitchers Donnie Joseph, 24, and J.C. Culbaran, 22, to the Royals. Joseph was a relief pitcher for the AAA Louisville Bats. Culbaran was a starting pitcher for the AA Pensacola Blue Wahoos.

Broxton, 28, will be taking the roster spot of pitcher Bill Bray who was placed on the disabled list with a lumbar muscle strain. The Reds also designated for assignment pitcher Andrew Brackman who's from Cincinnati.

Manager Dusty Baker said that Broxton will be a setup man for closer Aroldis Chapman and can finish games when the left-hander isn't available.

Broxton has a 2.27 ERA, 25 strikeouts and 23 saves in 35 innings in 2012. He spent his first six seasons in the MLB with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He's under contract through this season with $1.4 million remaining on his deal.

The Reds, like many teams, were rumored to be involved in trade discussions for other players. Cincinnati was reportedly trying to bolster its starting lineup but general manager Walt Jocketty said Tuesday afternoon that the asking price was too high.

Broxton is expected to join the Reds on Wednesday.

Cincinnati leads the National League Central by three games over the Pirates and seven games over the Cardinals. They had won 10 straight games before falling to San Diego at home Monday night.

Joe Kay from the Associated Press contributed to this story.