truebluefan

Seconds after Russell Branyan struck out to end Thursday's game, the Devil Rays agreed to send the outfielder and third baseman to San Diego in exchange for minor-league right-hander Evan Meek and a player to be named or cash.

Triple-A Durham first baseman and designated hitter Kevin Witt, who leads minor-league baseball with 36 home runs, will replace Branyan on the Rays' roster and join the club today in Baltimore.

"We're anxious to reward Witt for his year," Rays executive vice president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said, "and think he'll provide a good bat off the bench and a spot guy for Joe [Maddon]."

Witt, 30, is expected to remain with Tampa Bay for the rest of the season. He went 2-for-4 Thursday in his last game with the Bulls, raising his average to .291. He has 99 RBIs

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