Star's Bruske traded to Yankees

SUN WIRE REPORTS

ARLINGTON, Texas -- The New York Yankees, looking to add some depth to their bullpen, acquired right-hander Jim Bruske from the San Diego Padres on Sunday in a four-player deal.

The Yankees also got right-handed pitcher Brad Kaufman and sent outfielder Shea Morenz and pitcher Ray Ricken to the Padres.

Bruske, 33, had been reacquired by the Padres from the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 23 for pitcher Widd Workman.

This season, Bruske was 3-0 with a 3.48 ERA in 35 games with the Dodgers and 0-0 with a 3.86 ERA in four games with the Padres. San Diego recently optioned him to Triple-A Las Vegas, where he went 0-1 in five games.

Last year, he was 4-1 with a 3.63 ERA in 28 games for San Diego.

Kaufman, 26, was 9-9 with a 6.39 ERA in 23 games at Las Vegas and 1-0 with a 1.11 ERA in five games at Double-A Mobile this season.

The Yankees assigned both pitchers to Triple-A Columbus. But with righty relievers Jeff Nelson and Darren Holmes hurt, the AL East leaders might need Bruske in the postseason.

Morenz, 24, was New York's No. 1 pick in the 1995 free agent draft. He was hitting .252 with 15 homers and 52 RBIs at Double-A Norwich. He had spent the previous three seasons at Class A.

Ricken, 24, was 0-3 with a 7.32 ERA in four games at Norwich.

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