Diamondbacks Trade Cliff Pennington To Toronto

The Diamondbacks are getting to work. Last night, the Dbacks traded left handed pitcher Oliver Perez to the Houston Astros. This morning, Arizona continued their trading spree of veterans. Cliff Pennington was sent to the Toronto Blue Jays.

The 31-year old infielder was an ideal National League player. Pennington produced professional at bats in his pinch hit situations and was capable of playing the infield as well corner outfield. In 2015, Pennington is hitting .237 with a homerun and 10 RBI. Pennington’s career season came back in 2011. That season he smacked 8 homers with 58 RBI, while hitting .264 for the Oakland Athletics.

OFFICIAL: #Dbacks acquire infielder Dawel Lugo from the Toronto Blue Jays for infielder/outfielder Cliff Pennington.
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) August 8, 2015

Toronto acquired Pennington for depth purposes. Pennington’s ability to play middle infield, third base and the occasional left field, made him an attractive option for the red hot Blue Jays. Second baseman Devon Travis is currently on the disabled list, leaving the Blue Jays with Ryan Goins and Munenori Kawasaki as their guys to man the position. Pennington will fit in perfectly for backup purposes.

Arizona received Dawel Lugo in the exchange. Lugo is a shortstop that was ranked #12 in Toronto system in MLB.com’s Prospect Watch. In 2015, Lugo has split time between both A-level ball clubs. He’s currently shining with the Lansing Lugnuts of the Midwest League. He’s hitting .336 with two homeruns and 23 RBI. The 20-year old could appear in either Kane County or Visalia.

Aug 6, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Cliff Pennington (4) singles against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

This trade bodes extremely well for the Dbacks. Even more so than last night’s trade with Houston. Here Arizona acquired one Toronto’s ranked prospects and in exchange for reserve infielder who’s contract will expire after the end of this season. Sounds like a pretty good deal to me.

It also opens up a roster position for the inevitable Brandon Drury call up. Even if it’s not at this moment, Drury’s road to the MLB just became a tad bit clearer. If anything, it’ll give Arizona the chance to call up someone that will give Nick Ahmed or Chris Owings a run for their money.

We wish the best of luck to Cliff in Toronto.

More from Venom Strikes

Home/Diamondbacks News