The Detroit Tigers announced that they have acquired infielder Zach McKinstry from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for righthanded pitcher Carlos Guzman.
McKinstry, 27, played in 57 games between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Cubs last season, hitting .199/.273/.361 with six doubles, three triples, five home runs and 14 RBI. He also played in 48 games with Triple A Oklahoma City, slashing .335/.417/.487 with nine doubles, four triples, four home runs and 25 RBI. At the time of his trade to Chicago, McKinstry ranked second in the Pacific Coast League among players with at least 200 plate appearances with a .335 batting average.
In three Major League seasons, McKinstry is batting .208/.269/.384 with 16 doubles, three triples, 12 home runs and 43 RBI. In 444 career Minor League games, McKinstry is hitting .278/.366/.434 with 78 doubles, 21 triples, 41 home runs and 195 RBI. He was named a Texas League midseason All-Star in 2019 with Double A Tulsa, while he earned Pacific Coast League Player of the Week honors with Oklahoma City for the week ending April 10, 2022.
A native of Toledo, OH, McKinstry was selected by the Dodgers in the 33rd round of the 2016 MLB Draft out of Central Michigan University.
Guzman, 24, spent most of 2022 with Single A West Michigan, posting a 9-6 record with a 4.16 ERA (106.0IP/49ER) and 89 strikeouts. He also pitched in two games with Double A Erie and did not allow a run in 1.1 innings. In 84 career Minor League appearances, including 64 starts, Guzman posted a 22-22 record with a 3.80 ERA (317.0IP/134ER) and 298 strikeouts.
To make room on the 40-man roster for McKinstry, RHP Freddy Pacheco has been recalled from Triple A Toledo and placed on the 60-day injured list.
