OAKLAND, Calif. – The Oakland Athletics have traded right-hander Clayton Mortensen to the Colorado Rockies for minor league righty Ethan Hollingsworth.
Oakland also announced Monday it has agreed to terms with third baseman Andy LaRoche on a minor league contract and invited him to spring training.
Mortensen was designated for assignment last Tuesday when the A's signed right-handed reliever Grant Balfour. He made one start with Oakland in 2010 and had a no decision while posting a 4.50 ERA. Mortensen was 13-6 with a 4.25 ERA in 26 starts last season for Triple-A Sacramento.
Hollingsworth was a 12-game winner for Class-A Modesto.
LaRoche batted .206 with four home runs and 16 RBIs in 102 games for Pittsburgh last year.
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