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HOUSTON - Astros get Wolf

The Houston Astros acquired pitcher Randy Wolf from San Diego on Tuesday in exchange for minor leaguer Chad Reineke.

Wolf, an NL all-star in 2003, is 6-10 with a 4.74 ERA in 21 starts for the Padres this season. The 31-year-old is in his 10th season and will play for his fourth team. He previously played for Philadelphia (1999-2006) and the Los Angeles Dodgers (2007) before joining the Padres this season.

The left-handed Wolf has a career record of 84-76 with a 4.30 ERA. He will start for Houston on Sunday at Milwaukee, the Astros said.

Houston general manager Ed Wade was the Phillies' general manager from 1998-2005.

"I've known Randy since the day he signed his first professional contract," Wade said. "I can say without hesitation that he brings every quality that you'd want in a member of your team, both on and off the field."

Reineke, a right-hander, is 5-9 with a 4.41 ERA in 19 starts for triple-A Round Rock this season. He was originally selected by the Astros in the 13th round of the 2004 draft and he is 28-32 with a 3.72 ERA in five minor league seasons in the Houston system. He has yet to pitch in a major league game.

Rauch to D'backs

The Arizona Diamondbacks acquired reliever Jon Rauch from the Washington Nationals for prospect Emilio Bonaficio on Tuesday.

Rauch was 4-2 with 17 saves in 22 chances and a 2.98 ERA for the Nationals. He has been filling in at closer for most of the season for injured Chad Cordero.

Bonaficio entered the season as Arizona's No. 6 prospect, according to Baseball America. The speedy second baseman was recalled by the Diamondbacks on July 4, and was 2-for-12 in eight games.

Wagner has MRI exam

NEW YORK - Mets closer Billy Wagner has tightness around his left shoulder, which an MRI exam Tuesday showed was a muscle spasm around his pitching arm.

The left-hander felt tightness while warming up Sunday, but struck out three consecutive Cincinnati Reds in the 10th inning to earn his 24th save in New York's 7-5 win.

Team spokesman Jay Horwitz said Wagner was examined at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York.

Wagner has a 2.20 ERA and 48 strikeouts in 41 innings and has blown six saves. While pitching for the National League in last week's all-star game, Wagner also gave up the tying run to the AL in the eighth inning. He has 382 career saves, sixth on baseball's career list and third among active pitchers behind Trevor Hoffman (541) and Mariano Rivera (467).

A-Rod branches out

NEW YORK - Alex Rodriguez signed another big-league contract, joining the William Morris Agency in an attempt to extend his brand beyond the baseball diamond.

The New York Yankees slugger signed with the powerhouse talent agency in Beverly Hills, Calif., and becomes part of a client list that includes some of the biggest names in sports, entertainment and business.

"Partnering with William Morris will enable me to broaden the scope of my career in creative and innovative ways," Rodriguez said in a statement. "I'm excited to see what we will be able to accomplish together, both domestically and abroad."

At Yankee Stadium, hours before New York played the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night, Rodriguez did not want to discuss his arrangement with William Morris.

"Just baseball questions," he said while dressing at his locker before batting practice. "I just want to win baseball games."

Dave Wirtschafter, president of William Morris Agency, called Rodriguez "one of the world's most iconic athletes whose personality transcends sports."

The deal, which was first reported by The Wall Street Journal, was completed this month and set up by Rodriguez's manager, Guy Oseary, a music business mogul who has worked closely with William Morris.

Among the star athletes handled by William Morris are Dwyane Wade, Serena Williams and Kevin Garnett. The agency represents such movie stars as Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe.

Rodriguez's decision to join William Morris comes at a time when he is now a staple of celebrity gossip. His wife has filed for divorce and his relationship with Madonna has generated blaring tabloid headlines and daily fodder for talk-show radio. Media reports linked Rodriguez and the pop star, but each denied a romantic relationship. The 32-year-old third baseman is a three-time MVP who has hit 539 home runs and is on pace to pass Barry Bonds on the career list.