The Cubs have acquired catcher Jason Kendall from the A's for Rob Bowen and a minor leaguer, FOXSports.com has learned.
The A's are also including cash in the deal. Bowen was designated for assignment earlier Monday.
Chicago has been in need of a catcher since trading Michael Barrett to the Padres on June 21, shortly after a dugout run-in with pitcher Carlos Zambrano. The Cubs have split their catching duties between Bowen, Koyie Hill and Geovany Soto, but that trio has combined for just four hits since the deal.
Kendall, in his third season in Oakland, has two home runs and 12 RBIs for the A's in 2007. His .226 average is the worst mark in his 12 major league seasons.
The Kendall trade indicates the A's will be sellers as the trade deadline approaches. After being swept in four games by the Twins, Oakland is currently 44-48 — 11.5 games out in the AL West and 10.5 out in the wild card race.
At 47-43, the Cubs are just 3.5 games back in the NL Central and three behind the wild card lead.