The San Diego Padres acquired Ian Kennedy from the Arizona Diamondbacks for LHP Joe Thatcher, RHP Matt Stites and a compensation B draft pick.
Stites 23, is 2-2 with a 2.08 ERA and 14 saves in 46 games with Double-A San Antonio.
The Diamondbacks confirmed the trade in a news release Wednesday afternoon, less than two hours before baseball’s non-waiver trade deadline.
Kennedy, 28, had a 3.55 ERA over 98 starts from 2010-2012. Although he struggled this season, going 3-8 with a 5.23 ERA in 21 starts, he should benefit from a more pitcher-friendly environment at Petco Park in San Diego.
Kennedy is poised to receive a raise from his $4.27 million salary via arbitration this winter, and is not eligible for free agency until 2015.