Rays add reliever Chad Bradford for stretch run

The first-place Tampa Bay Rays strengthened their bullpen Thursday, claiming relief pitcher Chad Bradford off waivers from Baltimore.

In return, Tampa will send Baltimore a player yet to be named.

Bradford, who has playoff experience, had a 3-3 record and 2.45 earned-run average in 47 appearances with the Orioles this season.

The 33-year-old submarining right-hander hasn't allowed an earned run in 17 post-season contests with the Chicago White Sox, Oakland Athletics, Boston Red Sox and New York Mets.

No active reliever has pitched more runless innings in the playoffs than Bradford's streak of 15 1/3 frames.

Tampa Bay began Thursday with a three-game lead over Boston in the American League East division. The Rays open a series at Seattle Thursday night, and Bradford is expected to join them Friday.

In November 2006, he signed a three-year contract with Baltimore worth $10.5 million US.

Bradford is 34-28 with 11 saves and a 3.31 ERA in 11 major league seasons.