Ugueth U. Urbina Dealt to Philadelphia

Ugueth Urbina, who has been the acting Tigers closer while Troy Percival rehabbed from injury, was dealt to the Philadelphia Phillies today, along with infielder Ramon Martinez, in exchange for infielder Placido Polanco.

Urbina has made no secret of the fact that he prefers closing, and he has been dramatically more effective in 2005 after moving into the closer role. However, in Philly, he will almost certainly return to 8th inning duties behind incumbent closer Billy Wagner.

Urbina has 236 career saves, good for 9th among all active players and 27th all time. (He only needs 3 more to pass Sparky Lyle!)

While Wagner has been the subject of some recent trade (and retirement) rumors, today's acquisition makes it clear that the Phillies currently have their sights set on winning the crowded NL East race, and that they realize that they'll need a more than just Wagner and Ryan Madson in their bullpen in order to do so.