Scott

Mullen

Mullen, who appeared in the majors for both the Royals and the Dodgers last season, takes a 4.66 ERA in 75 major league appearances with him to Japan.

Not much of a point to this trade. Mullen, who cleared waivers after being removed from Kansas City’s 40-man roster last month, has some chance of ending up as decent a lefty specialist in the majors. Rodriguez has hit .326 in Double-A this year, but he’s 26 years old and has never been considered a prospect.

Darrell May is going to be needed in the rotation, so Mullen will take over as the only lefty in the Kansas City bullpen.

Mullen allowed eight runs over 4 1/3 innings in two outings for the Royals.

Mullen did give up an earned run, but he held Calvin Pickering, Mark Bellhor, Benny Agbayani and the rest of the Mochis lineup hitless for nine innings. Mullen, a minor league free agent, has a 3.00 ERA in two starts and two relief appearances for Culiacan.

Mullen was designated for assignment last week.

Mullen pitched for the Yokohama BayStars last year. The 30-year-old left-hander has a 4.66 ERA in 75 appearances in the majors.

All three runs scored in the first inning, but Mullen walked five in the game and was pulled quickly. Guillermo Mota relieved Mullen and pitched 2 1/3 scoreless innings to record the win over the Braves.

Mullen is starting against the Braves today.