Yankees acquire OF Eric Hinske for two minor leaguers

The Yankees traded two low-level minor leaguers for Pirates outfielder/corner infielder Eric Hinske, according to ESPN.

UPDATE: No roster move has been made to make room for Hinske yet, but he is listed on the bench for tonight’s game. I suspect the decision is between Ramiro Pena and Cody Ransom. I’d choose to keep Ransom.

Outfielder Eric Fryer of the Tampa Yankees and pitcher Casey Erickson of the Charleston RiverDogs were the two minor leaguers sent to the Pirates. The Yankees also received some cash from the Pirates.

Hinske was hitting .255 in 106 at bats this season with nine doubles, one homer and 11 RBI. He had 24 pinch-hit at bats and felt unhappy with his playing time. He won the AL Rookie of the Year Award in 2002 with the Blue Jays, and is a career .254/.337/.436 hitter.

I would not expect him to gain any playing time with the Yankees, who are very deep in the outfield and at first base. He’s basically a duplicate of Nick Swisher, but not as good and can play third.