Giants acquire Rule 5 pick Connor Joe from Reds

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — The San Francisco Giants have acquired Rule 5 draft selection Connor Joe from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for a minor league pitcher and cash.

The teams announced the trade Thursday night.

Joe is a 26-year-old right-handed hitter who has played first base, second base, third base and both outfield corners in the minor leagues. He could fill San Francisco’s need for a righty bat to balance its lefty-heavy lineup. As a Rule 5 pick, he must remain on the active roster all season or else be placed on waivers and offered back to his original team, the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Joe was 11 for 40 (.275) this spring with a home run and three RBIs.

San Francisco is sending back righty Jordan Johnson. The 25-year-old was 7-13 with a 4.06 ERA last season in 26 starts between Double-A and Triple-A.

San Francisco designated Drew Ferguson for assignment to make space on the 40-man roster for Joe.