MLB trade deadline: Phillies acquire John McDonald from Indians

The Philadelphia Phillies announced that they have acquired infielder John McDonald from the Cleveland Indians in exchange for a player to be named later or cash. McDonald, 38, was designated for assignment yesterday and will join his new team on Friday.

Today's move is the third trade in four months involving McDonald, who entered spring training with the Arizona Diamondbacks. On March 20th, he was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates, and appeared in 16 games for the team (.065/.171/.097) before being traded to the Indians on June 10th. After McDonald appeared eight hitless games with Cleveland, the team designated him for assignment yesterday. In 24 games on the season, McDonald is 2-for-38 with 1 RBI.

A veteran of fifteen major league seasons with the Indians (1999-2004, 2013), Blue Jays (2005, 2006-2011), Tigers (2005), Diamondbacks (2011-2012), and Pirates (2013), McDonald has hit ..236 with 27 HR and 202 RBI in 978 career games in the majors.

For the Phillies, McDonald will provide superb defense in the utility role behind Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley and Michael Young. While the corresponding move is not yet known, many speculate that Freddy Galvis will be sent to Triple-A Lehigh Valley in an effort to provide everyday playing time.