Cliff Lee

ARLINGTON, Texas — Cliff Lee is suddenly in the starting rotation for the AL West-leading Texas Rangers, who pulled off a big deal despite bankruptcy proceedings and unsettled ownership.

The struggling Seattle Mariners sent the ace left-hander and reliever Mark Lowe to the Rangers on Friday for rookie first baseman Justin Smoak and three minor leaguers. Texas also receives cash as part of the deal for Lee, who can become a free agent after this season.

While the Rangers might have a hard time affording Lee long-term, they now have one of baseball’s best pitchers on board for a serious run at their first playoff appearance since 1999.

“They’ve got a great team, they’re in first place and I’m going to try and go there and do everything I can to help them head in the direction they’re heading,” Lee said Friday before flying from Seattle to Texas. “They’re already in a good spot, have a great team and I just want to be one of the guys.”

It was the third trade in less than a year for Lee, who was 8-3 with a 2.34 ERA in 13 starts for last-place Seattle. His first start for Texas could come tonight against Baltimore.

Earlier in the day, a potential deal between the Mariners and the Yankees fell through.

— The Associated Press