(AP) - The Braves have completed a trade for center fielder Mark Kotsay, dealing reliever and former North Carolina State star Joey Devine and a minor league pitcher to the Oakland Athletics.
The deal was finalized after Kotsay was examined by Braves doctors. He had back surgery last spring, missed the first two months of the season and returned to the disabled list with back spasms in August.
The Braves received cash, with Oakland expected to pick up a sizable portion of Kotsay's $7.35 million salary in the final year of his contract. He is eligible for free agency after the 2008 season.
Atlanta was eager to find a replacement for perennial Gold Glover Andruw Jones, who left to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
In addition to Devine, the Braves also sent right-hander Jamie Richmond to Oakland.
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