Twins obtain Pavano from Indians for playoff push

The Minnesota Twins, fighting for a Major League Baseball playoff berth, obtained pitcher Carl Pavano from the Cleveland Indians on Friday.

Pavano, who spent four injury-filled seasons with the New York Yankees, is 9-8 with a 5.37 earned-run average this season for the Indians, who sent him to an American League Central division rival for a player to be named later.

The Twins are fighting Detroit and the Chicago White Sox for a division crown and a playoff spot and could be bolstered by the deal if the 33-year-old right-hander finds top form on the mound.

Pavano, who played on Florida's 2003 World Series champions, is 75-74 all-time with a 4.43 earned-run average in 214 career games with Florida, Montreal, the Yankees and Cleveland.