The Los Angeles Dodgers have acquired switch-hitting outfielder Shane Victorino from the Philadelphia Philles Tuesday morning.
In exchange for reliever Josh Lindblom and right-hander Ethan Martin, the Dodgers added Victorino to play left field and bat leadoff less than a week after trading for third basemen Hanley Ramirez from the Miami Marlins.
Although Dodgers' leadoff hitters have been less productive as of late, Victorino's .324 on-base percentage and occasional power represent a significant improvement.
On Monday night the Dodgers also acquired reliever Brandon League form the Seattle Mariners. The Dodgers on Tuesday also hoped to acquire a starting pitcher before the deadline, and continued talks on that front for Chicago Cubs right-hander Ryan Dempster.
For the Phillies, this move was the only option they had available.
Having signed pitcher Cole Hamels to a six-year, $144 million extension a week ago, the Phillies would not have been able to re-sign Victorino.
At that time the club was also considering moving outfielders Hunter Pence and Juan Pierre along with starting pitcher Cliff Lee.
Victorino was a part of the Phillies as they won five straight NL East titles, recording a line of .279/.345/.439 with 88 home runs and 390 RBI in his eight seasons with the Phillies. He won three straight Gold Gloves from 2008-2010, made two All-Star teams and posted a career year for the 102-win Phillies in 2011.
MLB.com recently named Victorino the fourth-best Rule 5 draft pick since 1990, trailing just behind Josh Hamilton, Johan Santana and Dan Uggla.
