Pirates acquire infielder Sean Rodriguez from Rays

The Pittsburgh Pirates have traded cash and a player to be named later to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for infielder Sean Rodriguez. ESPN's Jerry Crasnick

The Pittsburgh Pirates have traded cash and a player to be named later to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for infielder Sean Rodriguez. ESPN's Jerry Crasnick first reported the news.

Tampa Bay designated Rodriguez for assignment last Wednesday. In order to make roster space for the infielder, the Pirates have designated for assignment first baseman Gaby Sanchez.

Rodriguez put in time at all four infield positions as well as in the outfield for Tampa Bay last year. He hit .211 in 237 plate appearances with 12 home runs and 41 RBI - both career bests - for the Rays last season.

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In the last five years, all with the Rays, he has hit .228 with 40 home runs, 172 RBI and 32 stolen bases.

The 29-year-old is currently eligible for salary arbitration. He earned $1.48 million last year.

"Maybe a change is what's needed for me at this point in my career," Rodriguez told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "I don't think I've reached my potential yet. I know I can do more."

Rodriguez is the fourth infielder acquired by Pittsburgh so far this offseason, after Justin Sellers, Jake Elmore and Pedro Florimon.

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According to Bill Brink at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the move likely signals that the Pirates intend to have Pedro Alvarez take over at first base.

- Christopher Woody