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| For the second time in the past two weeks, Aviles has been traded. (US Presswire) |
The Indians have acquired Mike Aviles and Yan Gomes from the Blue Jays in exchange for Esmil Rogers, the Indians announced Saturday afternoon.
The most interesting part of this move is the involvement of Aviles, who was was sent to the Blue Jays on Oct. 21 as part of the deal that sent manager John Farrell to the Red Sox. It's also worth noting Aviles played for new Indians manager Terry Francona in 2011 in Boston.
Aviles, 31, hit .250/.282/.381 with 13 homers, 60 RBI, 57 runs and 28 doubles last season for the Red Sox. He can play second base, third base or shortstop. With Jason Kipnis and Asdrubal Cabrera on board, the Indians definitely don't need a starter at second or short. Also, it seems likely Lonnie Chisenhall will get another shot at third base, so the best guess is Aviles will be a utility backup.
Gomes, 25, hit .204/.264/.367 with four homers, 13 RBI and four doubles in 111 plate appearances as a rookie last season for Toronto. He appeared at catcher, first base, third base and left field, defensively, with the majority of his time spent at first.
Rogers, 27, went 3-1 with a 3.06 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 54 strikeouts in 53 relief innings for the Indians last season. He previously appeared in 70 games for the Rockies, spending some time as a starter. The Blue Jays need starting pitching depth, but last season seems to indicate Rogers may be best served being used as a reliever.
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