CINCINNATI (AP) – The Atlanta Braves added a left-hander to their bullpen Tuesday, acquiring Kent Mercker from the Cincinnati Reds for a player to be named.

Mercker, 35, was one of the Reds’ most dependable relievers when he wasn’t injured. He went 0-2 with a 2.35 ERA in 49 relief appearances.

A sprained lower back forced him onto the disabled list from June 28 to July 9.

It was the Reds’ fifth trade since they fired general manager Jim Bowden and manager Bob Boone on July 28. In a payroll-cutting spree, they traded closer Scott Williamson, outfielder Jose Guillen, left-handed reliever Gabe White and All-Star third baseman Aaron Boone.

The trades brought the Reds pitching prospects and more than $2 million in cash.

Mercker, who makes $550,000, will be a free agent after the season.

To take his spot in the bullpen, the Reds called up left-hander Mark Watson from Triple-A Louisville. Watson was 4-4 with a 4.36 ERA in 44 relief appearances.

AP-ES-08-12-03 1531EDT