Yankees make surprise, last-second trade with Pirates | What it means

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman acquired shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria from the Pirates in a last-second deal before the waiver trade deadline late Friday night.

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NEW YORK — One more at last call.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman made a surprise, seemingly last-second deal with the Pirates before the waiver trade deadline expired at midnight Friday, the team announced.

They acquired shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria in exchange for a player to be named later or cash.

Hechavarria is hitting .254 (66-for-260) with 31 runs, 11 doubles, four home runs and 29 RBI in 76 combined games with Tampa Bay (61G) and Pittsburgh (15G) this season.

What scout says about McCutchen

How he’ll be used: Hechavarria brings manager Aaron Boone another solid glove to the Yankees just in time for rosters to expand from 25 players to 40 on Saturday. Hechavarria has only played shortstop this season, but he’s got some — if only little — experience in the majors at second base and third base.

Worry? Could this mean that the Yankees think Didi Gregorius (bruised heel) might take longer than hoped to come off the disabled list? Eh, maybe, maybe not. Gregorius has seemed upbeat about his progress so far and there haven’t been indications of setbacks.

How they fit him onto the roster: The Yankees designated pitcher Ryan Bollinger for assignment.

What does Hechavarria cost? Not much. He’s still owed about $1 million, but the Pirates will reportedly pay part of it.

Impact deal could have: Does this make Hechavarria a higher-priority shortstop than Tyler Wade for now? Wade seemed like a September call-up lock to serve in a Ronald Torreyes-like utility role. Maybe it means the team won’t call up Gio Urshela, a stellar defender but a poor hitter? Doubt that the Yankees have soured on Torreyes in any way.

Reminders: Just before the deadline, the Yankees also acquired outfielder Andrew McCutchen, who’s expected to debut Saturday, and were in talks with the Blue Jays for Josh Donaldson. Donaldson ended up with the Indians.

Brendan Kuty may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @BrendanKutyNJ. Find NJ.com Yankees on Facebook.




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