Diamondbacks trade John McDonald to Pirates

Tuesday afternoon, Arizona Diamondbacks general manager Kevin Towers said a trade of infielder John McDonald was “percolating.”

Well, Wednesday morning the trade was completed, with the D-backs sending McDonald to the Pittsburgh Pirates for a player to be named or cash considerations.

McDonald, 38, was acquired by the Diamondbacks late in the 2011 season in the deal that also brought the team Aaron Hill, and his steady glove along with leadership abilities were invaluable to a young team that needed both.

However, with Willie Bloomquist and Cliff Pennington around to play shortstop and Didi Gregorius waiting in the wings, it became apparent the team had little use (or playing time) for McDonald. Thus, the team sought out a trade.

McDonald appeared in 89 games with the Diamondbacks and batted .230 with six home runs and 24 RBI.

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