Diamondbacks acquire Johnson from Astros for two prospects
The Arizona Diamondbacks acquired third baseman Chris Johnson from the Houston Astros on Sunday for infield/outfield prospect Bobby Borchering and outfield prospect Marc Krauss.
The deal marked the fifth trade of an Astros major-leaguer this month.
"I know that's strange to say because it seems like everybody's getting traded over here, but I was pretty surprised," Johnson said. "When they called me out of the cage, I was in shock."
Johnson, who has been with the Astros organization since he was drafted in 2006, is expected to fill a need for the Diamondbacks at third base, where they have struggled to get production this season.
He has eight home runs and 41 RBIs while is hitting .279 for baseball's worst team. The four-year veteran has a career average of .274 with 26 homers and 136 RBIs.
In recent weeks, the Astros have dealt first baseman Carlos Lee, pitchers J.A. Happ, Brandon Lyon, Brett Myers and Wandy Rodriguez.
The deals have shed $49 million from Houston's payroll.
Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks, who won the National League West division last season, had won five of their last seven games entering Sunday's game and were contending for a wild-card playoffs spot.
Borchering, who was with Class AA Mobile, Ala., was the Diamondbacks' first pick of the 2009 amateur draft. He his hit a combined 20 home runs and 68 RBIs this season between Class AA and Class A.
Kraus had 15 homers and 61 RBIs for Mobile while hitting .283.
