The Pittsburgh Pirates have completed a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks sending infielder John McDonald to Pittsburgh. McDonald is owed $1.5 million in 2013 and will be a free agent at the end of the season. Arizona acquired McDonald late in the 2011 season and has hit .230 with six home runs and 24 RBI with the Diamondbacks.
“It’s hard,” D-backs GM Kevin Towers told Arizona Sports 620’s Doug and Wolf of ‘having’ to move someone like McDonald. “We actually, Gibby and I talked to him [Tuesday] — we’ve got a great relationship with Johnny. I told him, you know, ‘you’re never going to be surprised.'”
McDonald will likely see time as a Pirates utility man. The 38 year old 14-year veteran has a reputation as an excellent defender. It is unclear at this time who Arizona will receive in the trade.
