Jays send Eric Sogard to visiting Rays as trade deadline sale begins
Deal done pending completion of utility player's physical
The Blue Jays confirmed the deal later Sunday and indicated a return of two players to be named later.
Sogard was due to start in right field against Rays right-hander Yonny Chirinos, but was scratched shortly before first pitch and replaced by Billy McKinney.
The trade was confirmed while the Blue Jays batted in the second inning, although Sogard remained in Toronto's dugout while the Rays reviewed his medical files. He later exchanged hugs and handshakes with teammates on the bench heading to the clubhouse.
OFFICIAL: We've traded INF Eric Sogard to <a href="https://twitter.com/RaysBaseball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RaysBaseball</a> in exchange for 2 players to be named later. <a href="https://t.co/GH5xcyVt8P">pic.twitter.com/GH5xcyVt8P</a>
—@BlueJaysSogard is batting .300 with 10 home runs and 30 RBIs in 73 games. He began the year with 11 career homers in 584 games over eight seasons with Oakland and Milwaukee.
The Rays place a high value on versatility, and Sogard provides that. He can play second, third, shortstop and both corner outfield positions.
Tampa Bay began the day a half-game behind Boston and Oakland for the second AL wild-card spot.
The Rays also traded right-hander Ian Gibaut to Texas for a player to be named or cash. The 25-year-old Gibaut made his major league debut on July 12, giving up two runs in two innings in his only game for Tampa Bay.
Gibaut was designated for assignment by the Rays on July 23. He was optioned to Triple-A by Texas and lefty Jesse Biddle was transferred from the 10-day to the 60-day injured list with shoulder fatigue.