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Tigers send pair of minor league pitchers to Yankees for Justin Wilson

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The New York Yankees have traded lefty reliever Justin Wilson to the Detroit Tigers for minor league pitchers Luis Cessa and Chad Green.

Tigers general manager Al Avila sounded pleased about the addition of Wilson, a power lefty who can attack hitters, which is an area he said has been lacking in the organization for years.

"This is a power guy," Avila said. "He's going to come after ya."

According to manager Brad Ausmus, both Wilson and Mark Lowe are expected to serve in setup roles for recently acquired closer Francisco Rodriguez.

Following the move, Avila said the "bulk" of the Tigers' offseason work is done but that the club is still mulling the possibility of adding another bullpen arm.

Avila indicated, however, that the club is targeting a utility player as a bigger priority.

The Yankees made the trade to add starting pitching depth at Triple-A to protect an uncertain major league rotation, whereas the Tigers are adding a solid reliever to an area of their team that has haunted them for years.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman acquired Cessa and Green because the Yankees do not have a lot of upper-level starting depth, which Cashman felt was a bad combination with a starting staff that has a lot of question marks.

"They have big arms," Cashman said.

Last season, Cessa, 23, had a 4.52 ERA between Double- and Triple-A, and Green had a 3.93 ERA at Triple-A.

Cashman said he liked the idea of dealing Wilson because Wilson is entering his "money-making years"; he is eligible for arbitration for the first time.

The Yankees think Jacob Lindgren, their No. 1 pick in 2014; Chasen Shreve; and James Pazos are three lefties who could replace Wilson.

"I'm also not done," Cashman said. "I have a lot of other conversations."

The Yankees have held talks to deal closer Andrew Miller, which would move All-Star setup man Dellin Betances to the ninth inning. Cashman said he is hesitant to move Miller but is open to talking about further deals.

ESPN.com's Katie Strang contributed to this report.