Trade Rumors: Francoeur’s Call Up Sets Up Denorfia Trade

Mandatory Credit: craveonline.com

Veteran outfielder and current El Paso Chihuahuas’ Jeff Francoeur is officially getting the call back up to the big leagues. It is confirmed by NBC Sports Hardball Talk’s Aaron Gleeman that Francoeur will be called up and play outfielder for the Padres’

However, it was first tweeted out by Major League Baseball insider for SB Nation and MLB Daily Dish’s Chris Cotillo last night that the outfielder was scratched from his game with the Chihuahuas in preparation for his call up.

Francoeur signed a minor league deal with the Padres’ this past off season and has spent the entire year at Triple-A, El Paso. In 98 games, he is a batting .294 with 15 home runs and 60 RBI.

Both Cotillo and Gleeman add that the Padres’ are considering the call up of Francoeur in preparation for a possible trade of outfielder Chris Denorfia.

The Padres’ outfielder has drawn interest from several teams including division rival San Francisco Giants, who are battling the Los Angeles Dodgers for first place in the NL West.

With the Padres’ trading closer Huston Street last Friday to the Los Angeles Angels and third baseman Chase Headley to the New York Yankees yesterday, the Padres fire sale is in full swing and it appears Denorfia’s time in San Diego is coming to end.

Denorfia is batting .240 with one home run and 15 RBI this season, but he would make good option as a utility outfielder and pinch hitter.