(PHOTO CREDIT: ARRIGO IMAGES)
The Gateway Grizzlies acquired infielder Michael Wing in a trade with the Joliet Slammers Tuesday afternoon for a player to be named later.
Wing, 24, batted .210 in 69 games with the Slammers this season. The shortstop from Pasadena, Calif. collected 18 doubles, four home runs and 36 runs batted in.
“We are looking for Michael to come in and provide veteran leadership and solid defensive production,” Grizzlies manager Phil Warren said. “He is a key addition to our attempt at making the playoffs. Michael has a solid resume in affiliated ball and we look forward to his contributions.”
Wing was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in the 26th round of the 2007 MLB Draft out of Upland High School (Upland, California). In seven pro seasons, Wing is batting .272 with 107 doubles and 35 home runs in 472 career games.
The 6-1 180-pound infielder batted .317 with 11 home runs and 54 RBI in 73 games at High-A Inland Empire in 2011.
In 2012, he played in 91 games at Inland Empire before appearing in five games at Double-A San Antonio.
The move comes two days after Grizzlies shortstop Vladimir Frias had his contract purchased by the Boston Red Sox.
Frias was batting .275 with seven home runs and 33 RBI in 58 games for the Grizzlies this season. The 26-year-old from the Dominican Republic was the Grizzlies starting shortstop.
“We are looking for Michael to slide in where Vlad was,” Warren stated.
Wing will report to Gateway for the team’s series opener against the River City Rascals Wednesday night at GCS Ballpark. Heading into action Tuesday, the Grizzlies were one half game back of Schaumburg for first place in the West Division. First pitch is set for 7:05.
