The Mets have made a move they will hope will boost their suddenly lackluster pitching staff, sending outfielder Xavier Nady to the Pirates for left-hander Oliver Perez and reliever Roberto Hernandez, sources have told SI.com.

In 2004, Perez went 12-10 with a 2.99 ERA but hasn't been the same since. He was sent to the minor leagues in last month after losing 10 of his first 12 decisions with a 6.63 ERA. He hasn't fared much better at Class AAA, going 1-3 with a 5.63 ERA in six starts.

Nady has hit a career-high 14 home runs this season after coming over from the Padres in an offseason trade. He most likely will be replaced by rookie outfielder Lastings Milledge.

The need for Hernandez arose when the Mets learned they were losing setup man Duaner Sanchez for the season because of a shoulder injury. That injury was first reported by Foxsports.com and confirmed by SI.com.

Hernandez, 41, has a 2.93 ERA in 43 innings this season, with 33 strikeouts and 24 walks, two saves and holds.

Perez is a big X-factor. He was so dominant in 2004 but has been miserable since. If he could harness his stuff again, the Mets just made a whopper of a trade...

great move by minaya. he got rid of a highly mediocre utility player for a good 8th inning power pitcher, and a pitcher who has never had the luxury of learning from a veteran. Perez needs glavine and pedro now more than ever, especially since he's lost his fastball.

Mets are actually too young in there pitching staff: lol

Pelfrey
Maine
Bannister
Perez