ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Colorado’s crowded outfield just wasn’t big enough for Corey Dickerson.
The Tampa Bay Rays have acquired Dickerson from the Rockies for left-handed reliever Jake McGee in a trade Thursday that also sent a minor leaguer to each team.
The Rays got third baseman Kevin Padlo and Colorado got right-hander German Marquez.
In another move, Tampa Bay reached a one-year, $4.75 million deal with free agent first baseman/outfielder Steve Pearce.
Colorado had an abundance of left-handed hitting outfielders with the recent signing of Gerardo Parra. In the end, Dickerson — who is not yet eligible for salary arbitration — was deemed expendable over the likes of Carlos Gonzalez and Charlie Blackmon.
The 26-year-old Dickerson hit .304 last year with 10 homers and 31 RBIs in 65 games. He was limited early in the season because of plantar fasciitis and then later due to broken ribs he sustained while diving for a ball.
He’s joining a team that also has a surplus of outfielders. Tampa Bay’s roster includes Desmond Jennings, Kevin Kiermaier, Steven Souza Jr. and Brandon Guyer.
Barring some sort of move, someone will be headed to the role of designated hitter.
Dickerson played mostly left field while with Colorado, a spot where Jennings has been playing. Jennings has been slowed by injuries past two seasons.
McGee becomes another piece as the Rockies try to revamp their bullpen. He turned in his best season two years ago when he went 5-2, with a 1.89 ERA and 19 saves in 73 appearances. He started last season on disabled list after undergoing offseason elbow surgery. He went 1-2, 2.41 ERA and six saves in 39 appearances in 2015.
The 29-year-old agreed this month to a $4.8 million, one-year contract.
Colorado already brought in former closers to two-year contracts, guaranteeing Jason Motte $10 million and Chad Qualls $6 million. Right-handed reliever Adam Ottavino is expected back sometime around the All-Star break after undergoing Tommy John surgery last May.
The 19-year-old Padlo spent his first full pro season in Class A. He was a midseason and postseason All-Star in the Northwest League.
The 20-year-old Marquez went 7-13 with a 3.56 ERA at Class A Charlotte.
Colorado designated pitcher Christian Friedrich for assignment. The 28-year-old lefty was 0-4 with a 5.25 ERA in a team-high 68 relief appearances last season.
The 32-year-old Pearce hit .218 with 15 home runs and 40 RBIs for Baltimore last season. He can earn $1.25 million in performance bonuses based on plate appearances: $125,000 each for 400 and 425, and $250,000 apiece for 500, 525, 550 and 575. He also would get a $250,000 assignment bonus if traded.
