Toronto Blue Jays acquire Giovanny Urshela from Cleveland

The Toronto Blue Jays have added to their infield depth with a trade for another utility infielder in Giovanny Urshela.

With Aledmys Diaz on the 10-day disabled list due to an ankle injury sustained during the Toronto Blue Jays‘ weekend series in Tampa Bay, skipper John Gibbons decided to jumble his lineup ahead of Wednesday’s game against the Seattle Mariners..

Lourdes Gurriel Jr. assumed Diaz’s spot at short, while Yangervis Solarte played at second base. However, the biggest change to the lineup was undoubtedly Russell Martin, who manned the hot corner while Josh Donaldson took over for a game as the designated hitter.

To fill the empty spot, Richard Urena was called up from triple-A Buffalo.

The Blue Jays also made another roster move on Wednesday. As reported by Sportsnet, infielder Giovanny Urshela was acquired from the Cleveland Indians for cash considerations or a player to be named later.

More from Toronto Blue Jays

• Blue Jays avoid disaster as Kevin Gausman injury not serious
• Blue Jays interested in outfielder Andrew Benintendi
• Blue Jays hope fresh start for Sergio Romo boosts bullpen
• Blue Jays need to have a break from Yusei Kikuchi
• Blue Jays: Nate Pearson suffers yet another setback

Urshela had previously been designated for assignment by Cleveland on May 4, after being activated from the DL.

The Indians expected the 26-year-old to crack the roster out of Spring Training, but a nagging hamstring injury stopped him from doing so.

In 42 plate appearances while on a conditioning stint, Urshela had a .324/.405/.432 slash line in the minors.

He is a 225/.273/.314 career hitter who has seven home runs, 36 RBIs and 80 strikeouts, with 26 walks in 453 plate appearances.

Following with the running theme for the Jays in terms of infielders this season, Urshela can play all over the diamond.

His main position is at third base, where he played 60 games in 2017 for the Indians. But he also featured at both second base and shortstop for five games apiece, as well as first base for two games.

In his two seasons in the MLB, Urshela has 75 putouts, 227 assists and 11 errors, with a .965 fielding percentage.

While he needs to improve on his performance at the plate, he is a solid fielder who has a great glove and a better arm.

When Diaz and Troy Tulowitzki return to the lineup, it’s hard to see how the team would make room for Urshela in a bench role. Maybe he takes the spot originally held by Devon Travis prior to his demotion to triple-A.

Next: Tough road ahead for Roberto Osuna

Urshela will join the team in the coming days and could have the chance to feature in the lineup within the week.