Major League Baseball

D-backs acquire P Robbie Ray, send SS Didi Gregorius to Yankees

Published Dec. 5, 2014 10:36 a.m. ET

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PHOENIX -- The Diamondbacks, New York Yankees and Detroit completed another three-team deal Friday, this on on a lesser scale than the one that involved Max Scherzer, Ian Kennedy and Curtis Granderson almost exactly five years ago.

The D-backs acquired left-hander Robbie Ray and minor-league infielder Domingo Leyba from Detroit while sending shortstop Didi Gregorius to the Yankees. The Tigers are to receive right-hander Shane Greene from New York.

The D-backs' deal accomplished two things -- it enabled them to clear space in the middle infield while adding another young, controllable arm to contend for a spot in the starting rotation, a point of emphasis with general manager Dave Stewart in his first year.

"We also have to build on our future," Stewart said. "This guy (Ray) projected to be a middle-of-the-rotation, top-of-the rotation guy. Some believe he is capable of challenging for a spot in the immediate future, but we're not going to push him."

It is the third major move in Stewart's first 10 weeks on the job, and it is not likely to be the last as the enter the winter meetings with an eye on a left-handed hitting outfielder and more pitching, Stewart and president/CEO Derrick Hall said Friday.

Stewart acquired right-hander Jeremy Hellickson for two prospects three weeks ago and signed Cuban outfielder Yasmany omas last week, although the deal has not been announced as the sides work through final details. Stewart also has made his interest known in free agent right-hander (and former client) Chad Billingsley, but Billingsley's new agent has said Billingsley is in no hurry to sign and will test the market.

Tomas will be given a first look at third base in spring training, Stewart and manager Chip Hale said Friday, which would seem a better fit since the D-backs are five-deep in outfielders. Most scouts consider Tomas an outfielder first.

"We want to keep our options open. We know he has played some third base in the past," Stewart said.

Gregorius ended the 2014 season as the starting shortstop, with range and a throwing arm that are considered well above average, but the trade opens more options involving Owings, Aaron Hill, Nick Ahmed and Cliff Pennington. Owings spent the last month of 2014 at second base and could remain there with Ahmed starting at shortstop, or Hill could return to second base with Owings at shortstop. Hill spent the last month of 2014 at third base. Stewart said the D-backs will use the spring to evaluate their best combination. Pennington is viewed as the top infield reserve.

"I haven't really been told too much," said Owings, who is recovering from left shoulder surgery. "Short or second, whatever it is, I'm ready to go. I had a lot of fun over there (second) in September."

Gregorius, 24, hit .226 with six homers and 27 RBI with the D-backs last season, taking over at shortstop full-time after Owings suffered a shoulder injury in San Diego in late June. Owings hit .261 had 15 doubles, six homers and 26 RBI, and scouts consider him a better offensive player than Gregorius.

Gregorius was the D-backs' principal return in a three-team deal with Cleveland and Cincinnati two winters ago, when right-hander Trevor Bauer was sent to Cleveland. At the time, then-general manager Kevin Towers compared Gregorius to Derek Jeter, a statement that is making the rounds on the internet day given that Gregorius now replaces the retired Jeter as the Yankees' shortstop. Towers was referring to Gregorius' athleticism, body type and defensive acumen, more than his complete game.

Ray, 22, made nine appearances with the Tigers last season and was 1-4 with an 8.16 ERA. He won his first start and threw six scoreless innings in his second start, but his ERA ballooned after a pair of starts in which he gave up seven and six runs. His fastball is in the low-90 mph range, according to FanGraphs, and he also features a changeup. Ray was Washington's 12th-round draft choice out of high school in 2010 and was obtained by the Tigers along with left-hander Ian Krol in exchange for right-hander Doug Fister before the 2014 season.Gregorius, 24, hit .226 with six homers and 27 RBI with the D-backs last season, taking over at shortstop full-time after Owings suffered a shoulder injury in San Diego in late June. Owings hit .261 had 15 doubles, six homers and 26 RBI, and scouts consider him a better offensive player than Gregorius.

Wade Miley, Hellickson, Josh Collmenter and Chase Anderson appear to be the first four in the D-backs' 2015 rotation, with Ray joining Trevor Cahill, Vidal Nuno and perhaps Randall Delgado as early candidate for the other spot as Patrick Corbin and Bronson Arroyo recover from Tommy John surgery. Corbin is expected to return in May or June, Arroyo in late July.

Leyba, 19, hit .323 with two homers and 23 RBIs while splitting time between second base and shortstop in 67 Class A games last season, half of which were in the Midwest League, where the D-backs also have an affiliate.

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