Looking to land a starting pitcher to help their rotation this season and beyond, the Padres traded for D-backs right-handed pitcher Ian Kennedy on Wednesday hours before the non-waiver Trade Deadline.

The Padres dealt left-handed reliever Joe Thatcher, Minor League right-handed pitcher Matt Stites and a 2014 Competitive Balance Round B Draft pick to the D-backs for the 28-year-old Kennedy, who was fourth in the National League Cy Young Award vote in 2011.

"We're excited to add a starting pitcher of Ian's pedigree," said Padres general manager Josh Byrnes. "He is under club control through 2015, and we feel he will help us take another step forward as a team."

Kennedy, who won't turn 29 until Dec. 19, is 3-8 with a 5.23 ERA in 21 starts this season. He allowed three runs in five innings in a 5-2 loss on Tuesday against the Rays. He's struggled with command of his fastball this season.

Kennedy is making $4.265 million this year and is under club control through 2015. He'll likely make $6 million.

Kennedy has strong ties to Byrnes and also assistant GM A.J. Hinch. It was Byrnes who obtained Kennedy from the Yankees in a three-team deal in December 2009. Kennedy played for Hinch, who was manager of the D-backs for parts of 2009 and '10.