Braves Trade For SS Gonzalez

(AP) — The Atlanta Braves have traded shortstop Yunel Escobar and left-handed pitcher Jo-Jo Reyes to the Toronto Blue Jays for shortstop Alex Gonzalez and a pair of minor leaguers.

“This trade improves our club for the second half of the season,” Braves general manager Frank Wren said in a statement. “We have been looking at ways to strengthen our club offensively and Alex Gonzalez is a proven veteran player who gives us added power. He is a winner and a solid offensive presence in the lineup as well as a quality defensive shortstop.”

Gonzalez, 33, is batting .259 with 50 RBIs and 17 homers this year. His 43 extra base hits were tied for fifth-most in the American League at the break.

Escobar, 27, has struggled most of this season and is hitting just .238 with no homers and 19 RBIs.

The Braves open the second half of the season at home against the Brewers on Thursday.