The Associated Press

PITTSBURGH - All-Star reliever Mike Williams was traded from the Pittsburgh Pirates back to the Phillies on Sunday in a deal that upgrades Philadelphia's bullpen for the stretch run.

Williams, who made the NL All-Star team despite an ERA above 6.00, welcomed a deal he predicts will be the first of several the Pirates make before the July 31 trading deadline.

For Williams, the Pirates get a marginal prospect in left-hander Frank Brooks, who was 3-4 with nine saves and a 2.30 ERA in 34 relief appearances at Double-A Reading. He was recently promoted to Triple-A Wilkes-Barre-Scranton. The Phillies also received some cash.

• The Phillies gave general manager Ed Wade a two-year contract extension Sunday.

ORIOLES: Baltimore extended a contract offer to Sidney Ponson, who is second in the AL in wins and set to become a free agent after the season.

Ponson (13-5, 3.67 ERA) is enjoying a breakthrough season. The right-hander has never finished with a winning record in the majors and was 41-53 lifetime before this year.

• Baltimore optioned slumping backup catcher Geronimo Gil to Triple-A Ottawa on Sunday. Gil was 6-for-41 in his last 14 games.

INJURY REPORT: Texas Rangers right fielder Juan Gonzalez missed Sunday's game at Tampa Bay with a strained right calf. Gonzalez will be re-evaluated Wednesday when the Rangers return home . . . Tampa Bay designated hitter Ben Grieve remained hospitalized for treatment of a small blood clot in his right upper arm. He is on blood thinning medication . . . Twins third baseman Corey Koskie was placed on the 15-day disabled list because of a back injury that is not healing as quickly as expected . . . Chicago Cubs pitcher Mark Prior, still bothered by soreness in his right shoulder, will miss his next start Tuesday and instead fly to Chicago to undergo an MRI . . . San Francisco ace Jason Schmidt could miss his next start because of mild tendinitis in his right forearm and elbow area.