SAN FRANCISCO, CA — The San Francisco Giants have traded minor league right-handed pitcher Clayton Blackburn to the Texas Rangers in exchange for minor league infielder Frandy De La Rosa and cash considerations club Senior Vice President and General Manager Bobby Evans announced today.
De La Rosa was originally signed as free agent by the Chicago Cubs on March 3, 2013. In 2014, he led the DSL-Cubs with 50 RBI. The switch-hitter was traded to the Texas Rangers on Nov. 20, 2015 in exchange for right-handed pitcher Spencer Patton. Entering this season, he was hitting .257 (249-for-968) with 122 RBI and 44 stolen bases over four seasons in the minors.
Blackburn, who was designated for assignment this past Tuesday, was originally selected by the Giants in the 16th round of the 2011 First Year Player Draft. He made one start for the Sacramento River Cats this season and allowed five runs on six hits in 3.0 innings of work. Blackburn had his best season in 2015 when he posted a 10-4 record and led the Pacific Coast league with a 2.85 ERA (39er, 123.0ip).