BALTIMORE -- The Baltimore Orioles have completed a deal for Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Michael Bourn.
In return for Bourn, the Orioles are sending minor league outfielder Jason Heinrich, a fifth-round pick in 2015, to the Diamondbacks.
A former fourth-round pick in 2003, Bourn hit .261 and had 13 steals in 89 games with the Diamondbacks this year. The 33-year-old speedster has a lifetime .266 average and is a two-time All-Star. He led the National League in stolen bases in three consecutive seasons (2009-11) and ranks sixth among active players with 339 career steals.
"Just all-around, can play all three positions," Orioles manager Buck Showalter said in summarizing what Bourn brings to the team. "Left-handed, veteran guy who knows his way around. Got a great reputation as a teammate and professional and brings some things we are in need of and have been for a while with Adam [Jones]. I am hoping he is ready to play Friday, but we've got to prepare for if he isn't. And Nolan [Reimold] has done a serviceable job for us, but it's a place we would like to be better at, if possible. And he and [Drew] Stubbs have a lot of experience there."
Bourn becomes the second outfielder of the day to join the Orioles, who are dealing with injuries to Jones, the team's starting center fielder, as well as his backup, rookie Joey Rickard, who was moved to the 60-day disabled list to make room for Bourn.
Earlier on Wednesday, Baltimore claimed Stubbs, a veteran outfielder, off waivers from the Texas Rangers. Because Bourn and Stubbs were acquired before Sept. 1, they would be eligible to play in the postseason should Baltimore qualify. The Orioles are in third place in the American League East, four games behind the Toronto Blue Jays, but tied for the second AL wild-card spot with the Detroit Tigers.
In regard to Stubbs, Baltimore general manager Dan Duquette said, "He gives us a good, solid, dependable defensive outfielder, and [he's] also a pretty good base stealer."
A former first-round pick in 2006, Stubbs ranks ninth among active players with an 82.9 percent success rate on stolen bases.
A career .244 hitter over eight big league seasons, Stubbs slashed .259/.343/.414 in 39 games with the Atlanta Braves and Rangers this year.
Jones was not in the lineup for a fifth straight game, but he did take batting practice on Wednesday. Showalter said that the five-time All-Star is available off the bench and indicated he is close to returning.
With backup center fielder Rickard on the DL, corner outfielder Reimold has been filling in at center field. The Orioles have an off day Thursday before opening up a three-game set with the New York Yankees on Friday, when Stubbs is expected to join the club.
Earlier in the day, the Orioles also traded for left-hander Kyle Lobstein. Baltimore sent minor league lefty Zach Phillips to Pittsburgh to complete the deal. Lobstein's stint with the O's didn't last long, however, as the team designated him for assignment once they successfully acquired Stubbs.
The Orioles said they are hoping Lobstein clears waivers and rejoins the club.
"At this time of year, there's a lot of players moving around and there's deadlines," Duquette said. "You're trying to not only get your team ready but to get your roster ready in the event that you advance to the playoffs. You're trying to acquire players to add to your club but also get your roster in order so you can make the right choices if you're successful and get into the playoffs. That's what we're trying to do with Lobstein."