The Dodgers have added another starting pitcher to their rotation, claiming right-hander Esteban Loaiza on waivers from the A's.

The teams did not complete a trade for Loaiza; the A's simply allowed the Dodgers to assume the rest of Loaiza's contract — just over $1 million this season, plus Loaiza's entire $7 million salary for 2008 and a $375,000 buyout or $7.5 million club option for '09.

Loazia, 35, joins a rotation that recently was bolstered by the signing of left-hander David Wells, who had been released by the Padres. The Dodgers are 4 1/2 games behind the Diamondbacks in the NL West and 3 1/2 games behind the Padres for the wild-card lead.

"At this time of the year, we're looking for any way to improve the team and Esteban is a talented veteran who we hope can contribute down the stretch and next season," Dodgers GM Ned Colletti said, according to The Associated Press. "He has a history of winning games and right now that's what's most important to our team."

"I've been there before, with the Yankees and with this team last year," Loaiza said of his postseason experience. "I know what it takes to win."

Loaiza had spent the entire season on the disabled list with a bulging disc in his neck before rejoining the A's rotation last week. He has since made two starts, both against the Blue Jays, in which he allowed only three earned runs in 14 2/3 innings.

"I never thought I would get traded," Loaiza said before leaving Oakland. "I didn't think this was going to happen but it happened. I feel kind of shocked because I had just started two games this year."

The Dodgers also have right-handers Derek Lowe, Brad Penny, Chad Billingsley and Jason Schmidt under control in 2008, though Schmidt will be coming off right-shoulder surgery. The team holds a $9 million option on left-hander Randy Wolf that it is unlikely to exercise.

Loaiza has a 124-108 career record and 4.60 ERA in 362 career games for the Pirates, Rangers, Blue Jays, White Sox, Yankees, Nationals and Athletics.

To make room for Loaiza on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers transferred outfielder Jason Repko to the 60-day disabled list.

Oakland recalled right-hander Colby Lewis from Triple-A Sacramento to take Loaiza's place on the roster.

"Certainly Esteban was making some money next year," A's assistant general manager David Forst said. "But it wasn't as much about salary as about giving guys an opportunity."

The A's have not decided who will take Loaiza's spot in the rotation Sunday against Detroit. Looking ahead to next season, Oakland has Dan Haren, Joe Blanton, Chad Gaudin, Lenny DiNardo and the injury-plagued Rich Harden under its control, as well as younger pitchers like Dallas Braden and Dan Meyer.

"We felt like it was an opportunity for some of the younger guys in the organization going forward and it gives us some flexibility," Forst said. "Hopefully it works out well for Esteban. He's going to a team trying to win a division."
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