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| Johnson goes from the worst team in baseball to the pennant race. (Getty Images) |
The Diamondbacks have acquired third baseman Chris Johnson from the Astros, the two clubs have announced. In return, Houston gets two minor-leaguers: Infielder Bobby Borchering and outfielder Marc Krauss.
Johnson, 27, is hitting .279/.329/.428 with eight homers, 41 RBI and 36 runs this season. He'll fill a gaping hole at third base for the D-Backs, as Ryan Roberts was a bust and then designated for assignment (and picked up by the Rays) this season.
Borchering, 21, is hitting .130/.183/.208 in 21 Double-A games since being promoted from High-A. He was the Diamondbacks' first-round pick in the 2009 MLB Draft.
Krauss, 24, is hitting .283/.416/.509 with 15 homers, 61 RBI and 75 runs scored in Double-A this season.
Though they trail the more high-profile Giants and Dodgers in the NL West, the D-Backs are the defending division champions and are very much in the race. They entered Sunday trailing the Giants by just 4.5 games.
Johnson left a message for the Astros and their fans on Twitter:
To the Astros organization & fans: Thank you for the support for so many years and for giving me the opportunity to represent Houston. -- 23
— Chris Johnson (@CJAstros23) July 29, 2012
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