Yovani Gallardo is getting a chance to pitch at home.
The Milwaukee Brewers traded Gallardo and $4 million of his $14 million salary to the Texas Rangers for infielder Luis Sardinas and right-handers Corey Knebel and Marcos Diplan on Monday.
“It definitely means a lot. I grew up here, went to high school here,” said Gallardo, who lives in North Texas. “I’m very excited for this opportunity and looking forward to it.”
While the deal gives the Rangers a needed proven starter in the middle of their rotation behind Yu Darvish and Derek Holland, it could also indicate the Brewers may try to pursue free-agent pitcher James Shields.
Gallardo, who turns 29 next month, was 8-11 last year with a 3.51 ERA in 32 starts last season. He was 89-64 with a 3.69 ERA in an eight-year career with Milwaukee.
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The right-hander’s contract specifies his 2015 salary increased from $13 million to $14 million when he was traded. Gallardo is eligible for free agency in November, though there seemingly is already interest on both sides from a longer stay in Texas even without such discussions so far.
“It’s something I expect we will revisit with him and his agent,” general manager Jon Daniels said.
Gallardo said “of course” he would like to be pitch in Texas for more than one season, but that his focus now is getting ready for spring training.
Cubs trade for Fowler
HOUSTON — The Chicago Cubs hope Dexter Fowler will provide outfield strength and spark at the top of the batting order.
“He does control the strike zone really well,” Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer said Monday after acquiring Fowler from the Houston Astros for infielder Luis Valbuena and right-hander Dan Straily.
Fowler, 28, hit .276 with eight homers and 35 RBIs last year in his only season with the Astros, who obtained him from Colorado for outfielder Brandon Barnes and right-hander Jordan Lyles.
Fowler, who has a .271 career average, asked last week for $10.8 million in arbitration and was offered $8.5 million.
Aoki signs with Giants
SAN FRANCISCO — Free agent outfielder Nori Aoki has finalized his $4.7 million, one-year contract with the San Francisco Giants.
The team announced the deal Monday after he passed a physical.
Aoki, 33, hit .285 with a home run, six triples, 22 doubles and 43 RBIs over 132 games in his lone season with the Royals after two in Milwaukee. He also stole 17 bases.
Dodgers sign Bedard
LOS ANGELES — Pitcher Erik Bedard, 36, has agreed to a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers and been invited to training camp.
The left-hander was 4-6 with a 4.76 ERA in 15 starts last season for Tampa Bay.
