Braves send pitcher Hoover to Reds

Published Apr. 1, 2012 1:00 a.m. EDT

foxsports

The Cincinnati Reds traded third baseman Juan Francisco to the Atlanta Braves for right-hander J.J. Hoover on Sunday.

The 24-year-old Francisco was competing with Todd Frazier to back up Scott Rolen. Francisco was signed by the Reds in 2004 and was out of minor-league options.

Francisco has played 81 games in the majors. The lefty hitter has a career batting average of .284 with five home runs and 29 RBIs.

Hoover was drafted by Atlanta in 2008. The Reds will assign him to Triple-A Louisville.

Hoover split last season between Triple-A and Double-A as a starter and reliever. The 24-year-old was a combined 3-6 with a 2.64 ERA.

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