Yesterday, Texas traded Ryan Ludwick to the Indians for Ricardo Rodriguez and Shane Spencer. Cleveland possesses an abundance of young starting prospects, so they could afford to deal Rodriguez to the pitching hungry Rangers in exchange for a solid offensive player. Spencer's inclusion in the deal was a roster dump on the part of the Indians.

After optioning Rodriguez to the minors early in the month, the Indians moved him to the disabled list due to a strained groin. However, at the time of the trade, Cleveland GM Mark Shapiro reportedly revealed that a recent MRI uncovered a problem with Rodriguez's hip. The information available on this injury is sketchy and unspecific with Shapiro indicating the condition may require surgery, and the Rangers saying they aren't concerned. Whenever he regains his health, Texas will need to show more patience with Rodriguez than they have with their other young starters, if they expect him to compensate for the loss of Ludwick.