LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired left handed starting pitcher Ted Lilly and infielder Ryan Theriot from the Chicago Cubs on Saturday in exchange for second baseman Blake DeWitt and two minor leaguers.
Lilly, who is 3-8 this season with a 3.69 ERA, joins the Dodgers rotation as the fifth starter.
"I think I'm going to a really good place and to a team that has aspirations of winning the World Series," Lilly told reporters. "And that's a fortunate thing for me to be a part of."
Theriot will replace DeWitt at second base.
"Hopefully, they make us better," said Dodgers manager Joe Torre. "I talked to Theriot and he is excited about coming over. He's a scrappy little player, a basestealer with more speed in that regard.
"I haven't talked to Ted Lilly, but he played for me in New York and he gives us a little more stability in the rotation. I know he's competitive. I hope he stays healthy and helps us get to the post-season."
DeWitt, 24, was batting .270 with one homer and 30 RBIs in 82 games for Los Angeles.
"It's sad, in a way," DeWitt said. "It's definitely a tough situation for me. I've worked hard with these guys going far back. It definitely came as a complete shock but it's part of the game."
The Cubs also received minor leaguers Kyle Smit and Brett Wallach. Smit, 22, is 5-3 with a 2.35 ERA and six saves in 37 games split between Single and Double A. Wallach, 21, is 6-0 with a 3.72 ERA in 17 games in Single A.
(Reporting by Mike Mouat in Windsor, Ontario; Editing by Dave Thompson)
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