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Dontrelle Willis Traded to the Diamondbacks
DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers today announced the club has acquired righthanded pitcher Billy Buckner from the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for lefthanded pitcher Dontrelle Willis and cash considerations.
Buckner compiled a 3-1 record and 3.53 ERA (43.1IP/17ER) in seven starts with Triple A Reno before he was recalled by the Diamondbacks on May 18. He started three games with Arizona following his recall, fanning 11 batters in 13.0 innings of work as he suffered the loss in all three outings.
Originally a second-round selection of the Kansas City Royals in the 2004 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft, he has compiled a 49-42 record, 4.20 ERA (736.2IP/344ER) and 625 strikeouts in 141 appearances (123 starts) during his career at the minor league level. Buckner has seen action with both Kansas City (2007) and Arizona (2008-10) at the major league level.
The Tigers have optioned the contract of Buckner to Triple A Toledo.
Willis had his contract designated for assignment by the Tigers on May 30 after posting a 1-2 record and 4.98 ERA (43.1IP/24ER) in nine outings (eight starts) this season.
