Blue Jays acquire Gio Urshela

[North_of_Border]

Blue Jays added depth to their battered infield on Wednesday afternoon by acquiring Gio Urshela from the Indians in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations.

Urshela was designated for assignment by Cleveland late last week. He recently returned from the 10-day disabled list after dealing with a right hamstring injury.


The Blue Jays have yet to officially announce their plans for Urshela, but he's out of options and is expected to join the 25-man roster in the near future. That would result in either infielder Richard Urena being optioned to the Minors or the Blue Jays returning to a four-man outfield by demoting Dalton Pompey or Anthony Alford.

"I saw him a little bit in Cleveland last year," Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said. "The word is he can play anywhere.

Urshela has spent most of his career at third base, but Gibbons said he could potentially fill in at shortstop and second base as well. His arrival likely is another indication that the Blue Jays will consider using Josh Donaldson, who recently returned from a right shoulder injury, at designated hitter on at least a semi-regular basis.

The 26-year-old Urshela appeared in 67 games last season for Cleveland and posted a .224 batting average with one homer, seven doubles and 15 RBIs. In 11 Minor League games with Triple-A Columbus this year, he was efficient at the plate, posting a .324 average, seven RBIs and a .837 OPS.

[rotty]

I like the move, pretty good in AAA right now

[North_of_Border]

Mark Shapiro has done a great job with the depth additions on the field. Some of these guys could be starters. Gone are the days if Goins and Barney.


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