From ESPN’s Buster Olney comes word that the Diamondbacks have inked Cliff Pennington to a two-year, $5 million contract. The agreement covers the shortstop’s first two years of arbitration eligibility.
Pennington batted .215/.278/.311 with six homers, 18 doubles and 28 RBI in 462 plate appearances last season for the Athletics. He was traded to Arizona in late October — along with infield prospect Yordy Cabrera — in exchange for outfielder Chris Young.
Pennington will serve as a buffer at shortstop for the Snakes until Didi Gregorius is ready for the major leagues.
The 28-year-old former first-round pick is a .249/.313/.356 career hitter in the bigs.