D-backs, Rangers swap right-handers

PHOENIX -- It was a day of life-changes for Dustin Nippert on Friday.

The right-hander watched his wife, Carrie, give birth to the couple's second child, Aubrey Faith, around midday, and then when he showed up at Chase Field, he found out he'd been dealt to the Texas Rangers in exchange for Minor League pitcher Jose Marte.

"It was a little bit overwhelming, a lot of emotions today," Nippert said. "But it's a good thing. [The Rangers] traded for me because they want me. I'm looking forward to it. I'm going to wipe the slate clean and start fresh and start new. Hopefully things will take care of themselves."

Nippert, who was at one time ranked among Arizona's top prospects, appeared in three games for the D-backs in 2005 and bounced between the big leagues and Triple-A Tucson in 2006 and 2007.

The 26-year-old came to Spring Training this year as the favorite to win a spot in the bullpen, but he struggled with his fastball command and was hit hard. Out of Minor League options, the team looked to deal him and his 14.40 ERA.

Arizona found a taker in the Rangers, who could use a middle reliever that can pitch multiple innings. Nippert, a starter throughout his career before last year, certainly can do that.

"This spring was real frustrating," Nippert said. "It was the most frustrating spring I've had."

Nippert wasn't sure exactly what the Rangers' plans were for him, but he said he figured they were looking to keep him on their roster, because he is out of options.

"I really don't know anything about the Rangers," he said. "I was going to go home and look at the Internet and look at the schedule and see if I know any of the guys. We'll see what they're expecting and I'm expecting. I'm looking forward to it."

Marte, 24, split last year between Class A Advanced Bakersfield and Class A Clinton, where he combined to go 4-4 with a 5.23 ERA in 45 games. The right-hander walked 38 and struck out 67 while saving 15 games.

Marte originally was signed as a non-drafted free agent by the Cubs in 2001, then signed with the Rangers in November 2004.