CHICAGO — The Texas Rangers won the Ryan Dempster sweepstakes, acquiring the Chicago Cubs ace for two minor leaguers moments before Tuesday's trade deadline.

The AL West leaders fortified their rotation for the stretch run, sending infielder Christian Villanueva and pitcher Kyle Hendricks to Chicago.

Dempster, who had power to block deals, had refused to approve a trade to Atlanta last week. The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees also tried to land the 35-year-old righty.

Dempster was 5-5 with a 2.25 ERA in 16 games for the Cubs and can become a free agent after the season. He was one of several players Chicago traded in a 24-hour span it sent pitcher Paul Maholm and outfielder Reed Johnson to Atlanta and catcher Geovany Soto to Texas.

PHILADELPHIA — Hunter Pence hopes this sequel has a better ending.The Philadelphia Phillies traded the two-time All-Star right fielder to the San Francisco Giants for three players on Tuesday. It's the second time in two years Pence went from last place to first place right before the non-waiver trade deadline.The Phillies got outfielder Nate Schierholtz, minor league catcher Tommy Joseph and minor league right-handed pitcher Seth Rosin.

CINCINNATI — Unable to upgrade their everyday lineup, the Cincinnati Reds instead strengthened the back end of their bullpen on Tuesday by acquiring closer Jonathan Broxton from Kansas City for a pair of minor league pitchers.Manager Dusty Baker plans to use Broxton as a set-up man for closer Aroldis Chapman, who has dominated while finishing games. Baker said Broxton could be used in save situations when Chapman has pitched several days in a row.The Reds surged into the NL Central lead by winning 10 in a row before their 11-5 loss to San Diego on Monday night. They've pulled it off without first baseman Joey Votto, their top hitter. Votto is expected back in a few weeks.

PHILADELPHIA — Shane Victorino will hear an unfamiliar sound at Chavez Ravine: cheers.The Phillies traded the two-time All-Star center fielder to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday for reliever Josh Lindblom and minor league pitcher Ethan Martin.