Branyan back with M’s via trade with Indians

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

CINCINNATI, Ohio — The Cleveland Indians traded slugger Russell Branyan to the Seattle Mariners for outfielder Ezequiel Carrera and shortstop Juan Diaz.

Branyan is heading back to the Mariners, who will also receive a player to be named and cash. The Indians completed the deal Saturday night following their seventh straight loss.

The trade clears the way for Matt LaPorta to become Cleveland’s everyday first baseman. He has been recalled from triple-A Columbus. Branyan was batting .263 with 10 homers and 24 RBIs. The Indians signed him in February to a one-year, US$2-million contract.

Branyan hit 31 homers for Seattle in 2009.

Carrera, 22, is batting .268 with 19 RBIs in 61 games at Triple-A Tacoma.

Diaz, 21, is hitting .295 with seven homers and 41 RBIs in 70 games.

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