MINNEAPOLIS — Shortstop Orlando Cabrera has been traded from the Oakland Athletics to the Minnesota Twins.

The Twins sent minor league infielder Tyler Ladendorf to the A's for Cabrera and cash. Friday's deal came a few hours before baseball's non-waiver trade deadline.

Minnesota entered the day two games behind Detroit in the AL Central. The Twins need more production up the middle, with Nick Punto and Alexi Casilla struggling to hit this season.

Leading Twins players have also recently expressed their desire to see the team make a move to upgrade the roster. The Twins have traditionally been quiet at the deadline.

Cabrera was batting .280 with four homers, 41 RBIs and 11 steals for Oakland. He was expected to be at the Metrodome for Saturday's game against the Angels.