The Texas Rangers have traded pitcher Park Chan-ho to the San Diego Padres for first baseman Phil Nevin.

The two teams on Friday agreed to the deal pending approval from the U.S. Major League Baseball commissioner as Texas must send cash to San Diego to help offset the money remaining on Park's five-year, 65 million dollar contract.

Park is 8-5 this year with a 5.66 earned run average. Since signing his blockbuster deal three years ago, the 32-year-old has gone a mediocre 22-23 in 68 starts and had five trips to the disabled list mostly because of back problems.

But the right-hander is expected to improve at pitcher-friendly PETCO Park in San Diego, and could start his first post-season game if the National League West-leading Padres enter the playoffs.