The Blue Jays have acquired some outfield depth in the form of Socrates Brito, who comes over from the San Diego Padres Tuesday in a minor trade.
According to a team announcement, the Blue Jays have acquired outfielder Socrates Brito from the San Diego Padres in exchange for minor league outfielder Rodrigo Orozco. The team also announced that they have transferred outfielder Dalton Pompey to the 60-day injured list.
Mike Wilner of Sportsnet FAN 590 reports that Brito will report to Triple-A Buffalo to serve as a replacement for the recently called up Anthony Alford, who in turn replaced the recently traded Kevin Pillar.
Brito, 26, was designated for assignment by the Padres on March 30 after being claimed off waivers from the Arizona Diamondbacks on March 27.
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Having appeared for the D-Backs in parts of three major league seasons, the native of Azua, Dominican Republic carries a career .202/.229/.351 slash line in 168 career at-bats.
Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins told reporters Tuesday that Brito was being brought in primarily due to his ability to hit left-handed and steal bases.
The piece going to the Padres in this deal, Rodrigo Orozco, 24, spent the 2018 season with the High-A Dunedin Blue Jays, slashing .304/.375/.389 in 112 games, adding 39 RBI, 18 stolen bases and 23 doubles in 424 plate appearances.
The native of Panama, who, interestingly enough, celebrated his birthday Tuesday, spent the 2017 season with the Low-A Lansing Lugnuts, where he posted an OPS of .740 in 70 contests. A switch-hitting outfielder, he began his professional career in 2013 with the Dominican Summer League Blue Jays.
As many have noted, it remains to be seen what the team’s plan for Brito is. Considering he hasn’t yet been able to hit consistently at the game’s highest level, it could be difficult to see him getting at-bats with the big club. More to come.