Indians trade Giovanny Urshela to Blue Jays for cash

The Indians traded infielder Giovanny Urshela to the Toronto Blue Jays for cash considerations, the team announced on May 9.

When spring training began, manager Terry Francona said it would come down to choosing between Urshela and Erik Gonzalez to fill the role of utility player. Both players were out of minor-league options.

Urshela played well in Cactus League games, but was set back with a hamstring injury. Ultimately, Francona decided to keep Gonzalez.

Urshela, 26, was activated from the 10-day disabled list and designated for assignment on May 4 after going 12-for-37 (.324 batting average) with four extra base hits and seven RBI in 11 minor-league games.

“Gio has been with our organization since 2009,” the Indians said in a statement. “We wish him luck on his new baseball chapter.”

Urshela had a vacuum cleaner for a glove, but he struggled at the plate. He has a career batting average of .225 over 148 games with 39 runs scored, seven home runs and 36 RBI.

Don’t miss