The Arizona Diamondbacks have traded reliever Jorge Julio for right-hander Yusmeiro Petit and an undisclosed amount of cash. The Diamondbacks wanted any team that acquired Julio to pay his entire $3.6 million salary, but they made an exception for the low-revenue Marlins in order to get a better prospect.
The deal could mean that the Giants will keep right-handed closer Armando Benitez, who also had been targeted by the Marlins.
Petit, 22, came to the Marlins in the Carlos Delgado trade with the Mets after the 2005 season. He appeared in 15 games for the Marlins last season, posting a 9.57 ERA.