Pirates get reliever John Axford from Indians in waiver deal

Cleveland Indians right-hander John Axford was traded to Pittsburgh on Thursday in a waiver deal as the Pirates look for help for their bullpen.

Axford, 31, lost his closer job in May to right-hander Cody Allen. The Pirates will be responsible for the reported $1.3 million remaining on the one-year, $4.5-million contract Axford signed with the Indians in December.

Axford went 2-3 with a 3.92 earned-run average in 49 games with 10 saves, eight of those in March and April. Axford was plagued by walks and home runs, which prompted a reduced role, along with the emergence of young relievers Kyle Crockett, Nick Hagadone and C.C. Lee. In August, Axford has a 12.00 ERA in three innings with one save.

Etc.

The Cincinnati Reds said pitcher Homer Bailey was headed to the disabled list with a strained right elbow. Manager Bryan Price said Bailey thought he hurt his elbow while batting in his last start on Aug. 7.

::

The Oakland Athletics placed shortstop Jed Lowrie on the 15-day disabled list with a hairline fracture of his right index finger.

::

The owners of eight rooftop clubs overlooking Wrigley Field have filed a lawsuit to overturn Chicago’s approval of the Cubs’ plan to revamp the century-old ballpark.