Phillies acquire infielder McDonald from Tribe
Veteran designated for assignment by Cleveland on Wednesday
BALTIMORE -- The Indians wanted to do everything possible to find infielder John McDonald a big league job. One day after designating McDonald for assignment, Cleveland came through for the respected veteran.
On Thursday, the Indians traded McDonald to the Phillies in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations. Philadelphia is expected to make a subsequent roster move to officially add McDonald on Friday, when the infielder is scheduled to join his new team in Los Angeles.
Over 15 seasons, the 38-year-old has had stints with the Indians, Blue Jays, Tigers, D-backs and Pirates. At this stage in his career, McDonald is typically used as a utility infielder or a late-inning defensive specialist off the bench.
McDonald has hit just .236 in 978 career games in the Majors, but he brings a strong defensive presence for second base, shortstop and third base. McDonald is widely regarded as a positive influence in the clubhouse.
This season, McDonald began the year with the Pirates, appearing in only 16 games due to a back issue that cost him time on the disabled list. When All-Star shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera was sidelined with a right quad injury, the Indians acquired McDonald on June 10 from Pittsburgh in exchange for a player to be named later or cash.
On Wednesday, Cleveland designated McDonald for assignment after activating Cabrera from the disabled list. McDonald, who is hitting .053 (2-for-38) this season, appeared in eight games for the Tribe, mostly as a late-inning replacement.