Braves trade Gordon Beckham to Giants for minor-league infielder
Gordon Beckham is heading west to help the San Francisco Giants try and wrap up a National League wildcard spot. The Atlanta Braves traded the veteran infielder to the NL West playoff contenders for minor-league infielder Rich Rodriguez with six games remaining on the schedule.
Beckham, who cleared waivers, will not be eligible for San Francisco’s postseason roster and is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the season.
Rodriguez, 23, just completed his sixth minor-league season in the Giants organization. In .264 career games in the minors, he owns a .264 average with 18 doubles.
The Giants are attempting to keep their Even Year Magic alive, sitting one game ahead of the St. Louis Cardinals for the second and final wildcard spot entering Tuesday's games.
Beckham could become a potential short-term replacement for third baseman Eduardo Nunez, who injured his hamstring on Sunday.
The former University of Georgia standout and first-round pick saw his playing time dwindle as the Braves’ offense hit its stride with infielders Dansby Swanson, Adonis Garcia and Jace Peterson in the everyday lineup. After a solid start to the season, Beckham hit just .158/.228/.271 in 149 second-half plate appearances.
For an offense that improved dramatically after the All-Star break, the 30-year-old was the least productive regular down the stretch.
Beckham does provide some positional versatility for San Francisco as he’s spent time at second, third and shortstop this season.
From the Braves' perspective, this is nothing more than a minor move that could possibly free up a couple more plate appearances for the likes of rookie Rio Ruiz in the final week of the season.
