Arizona Diamondbacks Trade Cliff Pennington To Toronto Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays acquired switch-hitter Cliff Pennington in a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks, the team reported Sunday. The Blue Jays also got cash from the Diamondbacks, who will receive minor league shortstop Dawel Lugo.

Pennington is a 31-year-old veteran infielder, who has played for the Diamondbacks the last three seasons. He also played for the Oakland Athletics from 2008 to 2012.

"He's a good, solid utility player," Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said via the team’s official website. "He can play second base, shortstop, you can move him everywhere. He's a pretty good runner, switch-hitter. I'm not sure when he's going to be here, I think they're out in Arizona now, whether he gets here tomorrow or after the off day [on Monday], we'll adjust when that happens."

The Blue Jays are currently in fourth place of the American League with a 60-52 win-loss record, while the Diamondbacks are in eighth place of the National League with a 53-56 record.

The Blue Jays needed help in the infield after reports stated that Devon Travis, who has still no timetable for a return, is Not fully healthy from his left shoulder injury.

In 761 games in his MLB career, Pennington has recorded a .248 batting average with 577 hits, 28 home runs and 200 RBIs. In 72 games for the Diamondbacks this season, he was batting .237 with 32 hits, ONE home run and 10 RBIs.