Twins deal Wilson Ramos in package for Washington closer Matt Capps

The Minnesota Twins have been working hard the past week to shore up their bullpen.

They made one significant move on Thursday to do it.

A source said -- and the team confirmed shortly after -- it has acquired closer Matt Capps from the Washington Nationals for top catching prospect Wilson Ramos and left-hander Joe Testa.

Capps, 26, has converted 26 saves in 30 opportunities this season, compiling a 2.74 earned-run average with nine walks and 38 strikes. He likely will replace Jon Rauch in the closer role immediately for the Twins, who were off Thursday and open a three-game series against Seattle on Friday.

It became apparent earlier this week the Twins had targeted a bullpen upgrade when they began following the Toronto Blue Jays. But they ended up paying a hefty price for Capps, who is due the remainder of his $3.5 million salary this season and is under team control for one more year.

Tom Pelissero is Senior Editor and columnist for 1500ESPN.com. He hosts from 6 to 8 p.m. weeknights and co-hosts from 10 a.m. to noon Sundays on 1500 ESPN Twin Cities.
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