The Diamondbacks acquired Jon Rauch from Washington on Tuesday to help an on-again, off-again bullpen, not only as an immediate upgrade but also as a long-term addition with proven closer credentials.

Rauch, signed through 2010, cost the D-backs second baseman Emilio Bonifacio, considered the best position-player prospect in their minor league system. Bonifacio, 23, was a top candidate to start in 2009 if Gold Glove second baseman Orlando Hudson leaves via free agency. Hudson's contract is up after this season.

Rauch, 29, is 4-2 with 17 saves and a 2.98 ERA after becoming the Nationals' closer following an early-season injury to Chad Cordero. He will join Tony Pena and Chad Qualls as a setup man in front of closer Brandon Lyon. Rauch has 44 strikeouts and seven walks in 48 2/3 innings.

"I don't think it could have worked out any better. I'm extremely excited to be here and be part of it and just hope I can help the club win," said Rauch, whose wife is from nearby Tucson and who owns a home there.

The D-backs have lost 12 games in which they led or were tied after eight innings, including a season-high four-run lead in the ninth inning of a 6-5 loss to the Dodgers on Sunday. They lost nine games in which they led or were tied after eight innings in 2007.

"This deal was out there for a little while, and we were a little reluctant to do it because 'Boni' was the guy they wanted," manager Bob Melvin said. "But with some of the issues we've had here of late, it kind of pushed us a little more to do this deal."

"Jon Rauch is a very, very good reliever," general manager Josh Byrnes said.

Rauch also is very affordable. He signed a two-year, $3.2 million contract this season with a team option for 2010 and could be a candidate to close next season, since Lyon is eligible for free agency after this year. Rauch is to make $1.2 million this season and $2 million in 2009, with a 2010 option for $2.9 million.

DIAMONDBACKS 9, CUBS 2: Yusmeiro Petit, starting on one day's notice, gave up one run and three hits in five innings as the D-backs assured themselves of a series victory over the Cubs by winning the second game of a three-game series. They have limited the Cubs to two runs in the first two games. Conor Jackson had three hits, including his 10th home run in the first inning, and has hit safely in nine of his last 10 games. Orlando Hudson also had a solo homer in the seventh inning but had to be helped off the field in the eighth inning after being hit by a pitch in the right shin.

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