Trying to bolster their struggling bullpen, the Cincinnati Reds will turn to former All-Star closer Eddie Guardado.

The Reds obtained Guardado and cash from the Seattle Mariners for minor-league pitcher Travis Chick yesterday. The trade came hours after the latest in this season's series of bullpen meltdowns -- blown leads in the 10th and 13th innings of a 6-5 loss at Milwaukee.

"He lives for the ninth inning. He loves the pressure of being in that situation, and we're going to give him that opportunity," Reds general manager Wayne Krivsky said.

Reds relievers have blown 13 of 32 save opportunities, and have the worst ERA (5.28), most homers allowed (43) and highest opponents' batting average (.292) in the league.

Guardado, 35, is expected to join the Reds in Atlanta today. The Mariners exercised their 2006 option for Guardado for $6.25 million. Seattle sent about $2.5 million to the Reds.

Chick, 22, was 4-5 with a 4.61 ERA for Class AA Chattanooga. He will report to Class AA San Antonio.

In other moves, the Reds activated third baseman Edwin Encarnacion and obtained outfielder Dewayne Wise from Louisville. To make room, the Reds designated outfielder Quinton McCracken for assignment and shipped pitcher Elizardo Ramirez to Class A Dayton so he can start on his regular turn Monday during the All-Star break.

More Reds

Cincinnati pitcher Brian Shackelford was arrested on suspicion of third-degree sexual assault shortly after midnight yesterday at Miller Park, where the Reds played the Milwaukee Brewers. Shackelford was ordered to appear at the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office Aug. 21. Prosecutors have not issued any charges, though the investigation will continue. He was released from jail yesterday afternoon. Third-degree sexual assault is a felony in Wisconsin, carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine.

Cardinals

St. Louis catcher Yadier Molina left last night's game against Houston in the third inning after he was hit in the head by a pitch from Taylor Buchholz. Molina led off the inning and Buchholz's first pitch smacked his helmet near his left ear. The helmet fell off and Molina dropped to his knees, grabbing his ear.

Elsewhere

The Orioles designated outfielder Luis Matos for assignment and purchased the contract of outfielder Luis Terrero from Class AAA Ottawa. ... The Boston Red Sox put Craig Shipley in charge of revamping their Latin American operations. ... Aaron Guiel was added to the New York Yankees' 25-man roster and started in right field last night. ... The Nationals reinstated outfielder Alex Escobar from the 15-day disabled list and optioned left-handed pitcher Mike O'Connor to Class AAA New Orleans. ... Blue Jays manager John Gibbons was not with the club for last night's game against Kansas City. He was in San Antonio to be with his father, who is seriously ill. Gibbons is expected to rejoin the club tomorrow. In Gibbons' absence, bench coach Ernie Whitt will act as manager.