LOS ANGELES (AP) – A proposed multiplayer trade between the Dodgers and Braves that would have sent third baseman Juan Uribe to Atlanta and infielder Alberto Callaspo to Los Angeles has been vetoed by Callaspo.
The deal collapsed because of collective bargaining agreement provision that any player who became a major league free agent cannot be traded without his approval until after June 15. Callaspo agreed to a $3 million, one-year contract with the Braves in December after spending last season with Oakland.
Callaspo, who played for the Los Angeles Angels from 2010-13, started at third base and batted seventh on Tuesday night after getting scratched from manager Fredi Gonzalez’s starting lineup before Monday night’s series opener.
“I have no thoughts, other than it didn’t happen,” Gonzalez said. “I’m sure it happens a lot when teams talk back and forth with a deal that’s almost ready to go, and then at zero hour somebody decided not to do it.
“Unfortunately, it was found out about because he was taken out of the lineup. And that’s the right way to do it,” he added. “You don’t want a player that you’re possibly going to trade get hurt. I talked to Albert this morning just before I came to the ballpark, and he’s fine with it. It’s all good. He’s a good teammate and a popular guy in our clubhouse.”