Braves Acquire Paul Janish from Reds

The Atlanta Braves acquired Paul Janish in a trade with the Cincinnati Reds, reports Mark Bowman of MLB.com:

Confirmed:Braves have traded Todd Redmond to the Reds for SS Paul Janish

— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) July 14, 2012

The Braves lost their top two shortstop options to finger injuries over the past week. Rookie Andreton Simmons suffered a fractured finger Sunday and veteran backup Jack Wilson dislocated his pinkie last night.

Atlanta had Tyler Pastornicky as their starter to being the year, but later determined he did not have the skills needed to be an everyday big league shortstop. It sounds like the long-term plan is for the 22-year-old to be a utility man.

Because they want him to learn 2B, then OF. RT @JRevendy: @ajcbraves what was reason for not recalling Pastornicky until a trade was made?

— David O'Brien (@ajcbraves) July 14, 2012

Janish's defense is highly regarded, but he has hit just .221 over 324 games in Cincinnati. The 29-year-old has spent the entire 2012 season in Triple-A, where he has hit .231 with a .722 OPS.

Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal Constitution caught up with Braves general manager Frank Wren, who said Janish was " the best defensive shortstop out there that we could acquire"

The Braves gave up minor league pitcher Todd Redmond, a 27-year-old who has spent the last four seasons in Triple-A.

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Is Paul Janish the answer at shortstop for the Braves?

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