Dodgers send Guzman, Pedroza to Devil Rays

ST. PETERSBURG -- The Devil Rays tried to sign shortstop Julio Lugo to a long-term contract extension by Monday's 4 p.m. ET non-waiver trading deadline. But when talks with his agent didn't produce a new deal, the Rays traded Lugo to the Dodgers for two Minor League prospects.

Lugo is having another solid season, hitting .308 with 12 home runs and 27 RBIs. But when the Rays became convinced they'd lose him to free agency after this season resulting in just draft picks in return, the club opted to send him to Los Angeles for Joel Guzman and Sergio Pedroza.

Guzman has been playing outfield for Triple-A Las Vegas, but the Rays project Guzman as a corner infielder. He is 6-foot-6 and 250 pounds and bats right-handed. He had 11 home runs and 55 RBIs while hitting .297.

Pedroza, 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds, is a left-handed-hitting outfielder. He batted. 281 in 89 games for Class A Columbus before spending the last two weeks at Class A Advanced Vero Beach.