The Miami Marlins traded shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria to the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday, according to a report by the Miami Herald.
Hechavarria has been on the disabled list since early May and seemingly lost his job to JT Riddle. With Hechavarria ready to return from a rehab assignment, the Marlins had to make a decision on his status. Without this trade, Miami would have been forced to make a roster move to accommodate Hechavarria's return.
Riddle has slumped as of late, but was playing at a higher level earlier this season. The young shortstop should continue to see starts daily, with no alternatives on the big league roster. Should Riddle struggle, Miguel Rojas could see some time at SS when he returns from the disabled list.
Hechavarria was with the Marlins since an off-season trade in 2012 and played in parts of five seasons with the team. While Hechavarria's bat was rarely an asset, his glove was game-changing at times. Hechavarria never took home a gold glove, but he easily could have.
Coming back to Miami in the trade are prospects Braxton Lee and Ethan Clark. Neither is expected to make a big impact in Miami, but the move will help the Marlins financially.
The Marlins are far back in the playoff race and could make more moves over the next move. A pending ownership change could stop the team from any major transactions, but some players could be on the move. Miami has played better ball recently, but dug itself a deep hole in May.
Miami is off on Monday and will open a series against the New York Mets on Tuesday.
