LOS ANGELES -- While their teammates built a lead in the second inning of Friday night's game, Danys Baez and Willy Aybar packed their things in the Dodgers' clubhouse. The announcement of their trade to the Braves, along with cash considerations, for Wilson Betemit had come just moments before the first pitch.

Betemit, 26, will take over as Los Angeles' third baseman, with Cesar Izturis moving to second base. The Dodgers have tried seven different players at the hot corner this season, and have found an experienced third baseman in Betemit.

The 6-foot-3 Betemit has hit .281 this season with nine home runs and 29 RBIs in 87 games. In addition, he has a .333 average with runners in scoring position, a situation where the Dodgers had -- up until Friday night -- fallen into a slump.

"He's one of the best young players in the league," general manager Ned Colletti said. "He's someone we're going to have here for a while."

Betemit, Chipper Jones' backup in Atlanta, was set to earn $345,000 this season.

Collettti said things really picked up trade-wise on Thursday night. He also said most of the calls have been outgoing, rather than incoming.

Manager Grady Little waited on a phone call earlier that evening, as the Dodgers had yet to activate Brett Tomko. The trade made room for Tomko on the active roster. Baez was surprised by the move, but accepted it as part of the business of baseball.

"I get to go to another great team," he said. "I'm very happy to know that big teams think I can help them."

Baez pitched in 49 2/3 innings in 46 games this season. The right-hander had a 4.35 ERA and a 5-5 record in his first season with the Dodgers. The former All-Star was acquired from Tampa Bay in January and was Los Angeles' closer with Eric Gagne out. Baez struggled in the role and was replaced by Takashi Saito in May.

"I've got a lot of respect for Baez," Colletti said. "He's been a closer for a while and that's what he wanted to do. But he said he'd be willing to do anything. ... I wish him the best."

The Braves had expressed interest in Baez in the offseason. The right-hander was unsure of what role he will play with his new team.

"I don't know," Baez said. "I'll just go and try to help, try to help get them in the playoffs and help them to win the division."

Baez, 29, will likely be the setup man in Atlanta, unless new closer Bob Wickman does not fulfill his job. Baez's contract calls for a $4 million salary this year. Colletti said the Dodgers could offset $1.4-$1.5 million.

Aybar, 23, batted .250 with three home runs and 22 RBIs in 43 games this year. The Dominican Republic native made his big-league debut last summer. He played third base in place of an injured Bill Mueller until Izturis came off the disabled list in June. After being optioned back to the Minors, Aybar returned to the Dodgers in July and played second base.

"I'm a little bit happy, but this has been my team since I was a child," said a surprised Aybar, who was given a few pieces of advice by shortstop Rafael Furcal before departing.

Aybar said he spoke with Braves general manager John Schuerholz and does not know what his role in Atlanta will be, but that he will be there in uniform on Sunday.