Diamondbacks acquire Ronny Cedeno from Phillies

Feb 18, 2014; Clearwater, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher A.J. Burnett (34) speaks with infielder Ronny Cedeno (7) during spring training at Bright House Field. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 18, 2014; Clearwater, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher A.J. Burnett (34) speaks with infielder Ronny Cedeno (7) during spring training at Bright House Field. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Arizona Diamondbacks acquired veteran infielder Ronny Cedeno from the Philadelphia Phillies in a minor trade on Sunday, reports Jack Magruder of FOX Sports Arizona. The Phillies will receive minor league catcher Raywilly Gomez in the deal.

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Cedeno, 31, appeared in seven games with the Phillies this season, spending most of the time with Triple-A Lehigh Valley. He will be assigned to the Diamondbacks’ Triple-A affiliate in Reno for now after the team promoted Nick Ahmed to replace the injured Chris Owings on the big league roster.

A former top prospect who has settled into a journeyman’s career, Cedeno has bounced around the baseball world after spending his first few years in the Chicago Cubs’ organization. The Diamondbacks mark his sixth franchise in the past four years, as he’s also spent time with the Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Mets, San Diego Padres and Houston Astros.

Cedeno went 0-for-9 during his time with the Phillies this season, with his only truly effective offensive season coming in 2012, when he batted .259/.332/.410 in 186 plate appearances with New York. Otherwise, he’s been a below-average bat who brings most of value simply by being a reasonably effective defender at shortstop.

In 42 games with Lehigh Valley this year, Cedeno hit .286/.327/.367 with one home run in 160 plate appearances. He’s also struggled on the base paths, getting caught on all four of his stolen base attempts this season.

Gomez, 24, has primarily played catcher in the Diamondbacks’ organization over the past six years. In 2014, he’s been with Double-A Mobile, where he’s batted .273/.355/.360 over 173 plate appearances.