Dutch starting pitcher Jair JURRJENS (Detroit Tigers) was traded to the Atlanta Braves on Monday along with minor league center fielder Gorkys HERNANDEZ in exchange for shortstop Edgar RENTERIA.
The Tigers signed JURRJENS as an amateur free agent in 2003. The 21-year-old made his major league debut on August 15 against the Cleveland Indians. Overall he started seven games for the 2006 American League champion and posted a 3-1 record with an ERA of 4.70. He struck out 13 in 30 2/3 innings pitched. He began the year in Double-A (7-5, ERA 3.20, 19 starts) and earned a roster spot at the major league level with a dominant performance at the Triple-A team (3-0, ERA 0.78).
He was supposed to compete for Detroit’s fifth starter spot in next years spring training. He is now a candidate for the rotation in Atlanta. Besides John SMOLTZ, Tim HUDSON and Chuck JAMES, there are two more spots to fill.