The Los Angeles Dodgers dealt pitcher Odalis Perez to the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday, nearly two weeks after saying they had no plans to trade the disgruntled left-hander. The Dodgers also sent minor league right-handers Blake Johnson and Julio Pimental and cash considerations to the Royals for right-hander Elmer Dessens.
Perez is in the second year of a three-year, $24 million contract and in his sixth season with the Dodgers. He had made just one start since mid-May, had been used only twice since June 28 and is 4-4 with a 6.83 ERA.
Dessens returns for a second stint with the Dodgers, having appeared in 28 games for them last season, including seven starts. He had a 3.56 ERA in 65 2-3 innings. In 2004, the 35-year-old pitcher was 1-0 with a 3.20 ERA in 12 games following an August trade to the Dodgers from Arizona. This season, Dessens had a 4.50 ERA in 43 games for the Royals.