ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) – The Texas Rangers traded AL saves leader Ugueth Urbina to the Florida Marlins for three minor leaguers Friday.

Florida gave up first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2000 amateur draft, outfielder Will Smith and left-handed pitcher Ryan Snare, the only one of the three on the Marlins’ 40-man roster.

All three are playing in Double-A.

“This is a huge deal for us,” Rangers general manager John Hart said.

Urbina bolsters the Marlins’ bullpen as they try to make a surprising push for the NL wild card. Florida entered the day two games above .500 and only 41/2 games out of a wild-card spot.

Braden Looper leads the Marlins with 16 saves.

The Rangers will pick up a portion of Urbina’s contract.

The closer signed a one-year deal for $4 million and another $500,000 deferred during the offseason after saving 40 games for the Boston Red Sox last season.

Despite an 0-4 record and a 4.19 ERA this season, Urbina leads the AL with 26 saves.

The Rangers’ clubhouse was already closed before their game against Kansas City, and Urbina wasn’t available for comment.

It is the third trade the Rangers have made this season, all involving veterans for younger players.

Outfielder Ruben Sierra was traded to the New York Yankees and outfielder Carl Everett was dealt to the Chicago White Sox.

Outfielder Juan Gonzalez, the two-time AL MVP, invoked his no-trade clause to block a deal that would have sent him to Montreal in return for prospects.

The Rangers activated left-hander Aaron Fultz from the 15-day disabled list to take Urbina’s roster spot.

AP-ES-07-11-03 1952EDT