Pirates acquire Russ Canzler from Baltimore in exchange for minor league pitcher Tim Alderson

The Pittsburgh Pirates today announced they have acquired first baseman/outfielder Russ Canzler from the Baltimore Orioles organization in exchange for minor league right-handed pitcher Tim Alderson. The announcement was made by Senior Vice President, General Manager Neal Huntington.

Canzler hit .276 (89-for-323) with 15 doubles, one triple, 11 home runs, 49 RBI and 46 runs scored in 86 games this season for Triple-A Norfolk of the International League. He made 35 appearances at first base, 14 in the outfield, four at third base and one at second base this year for the Tides.

Canzler, who has been added to the 40-man roster, was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis following the trade. To make room for Canzler on the 40-man roster, the Pirates have transferred right-handed pitcher James McDonald from the 15-day to the 60-day disabled list.

Canzler was originally selected by the Chicago Cubs in the 30th round of the 2004 First-Year Player Draft. He was signed by Tampa Bay as a free agent on November 19, 2010 before making his big league debut on September 15, 2011.

The 27-year-old Canzler has gone 26-for-96 (.271) with three doubles, three home runs and 12 RBI in 29 games in the big leagues with Tampa Bay (2011) and Cleveland (2012).