Angels trade Molina for Kennard

The Angels acquired right-handed reliever Jeff Kennard from the New York Yankees organization in exchange for catcher Jose Molina. At the same time, the club announced left-hander Joe Saunders will be recalled from Triple-A Salt Lake City and start tomorrow's game against Minnesota.

Jeff Kennard, 25, posted a 1-4 record and a 2.73 ERA (52.2 IP - 16 ER) in 31 games for New York's double-A affiliate Trenton this season. In addition to his six saves, he recorded 17 walks and 47 strikeouts.

A native of Centerville, OH, Kennard was originally selected in the 40th round of the First-Year Player Draft in 2000. Entering the 2007 campaign, Kennard owned a 26-17 record and a 3.01 ERA (328.2 IP - 110 ER) in 204 games (one start). Opponents have recorded only 18 home runs against him in his professional career.

Jose Molina, 32, registered a .224 average (28/125) with no home runs and 10 RBI in 40 games with the Angels in 2007. Originally signed by the Chicago Cubs in the 1993 draft, Molina was eventually signed as a minor league free agent by the Angels in January, 2001.

A member of the 2002 World Championship team along with brother Bengie, Molina appeared in 373 games with the Angels, recording a .237 average (232/977) with 15 home runs and 98 RBI.