Yankees trade for Dustin Ackley from Mariners

NEW YORK -- The Yankees lost a pitcher but gained a utility man Thursday.

Just hours after announcing that starter Michael Pineda was headed to the disabled list with a forearm strain, the Yankees traded for Dustin Ackley, a second baseman and outfielder, from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for two minor leaguers.

This was the Yankees' first foray into the trade market and comes roughly 24 hours before the non-waiver trade deadline of 4 p.m. ET Friday.

Ackley, a 27-year-old left-handed hitter, was acquired in exchange for outfielder Ramon Flores and pitcher Jose Ramirez, both of whom played a few games for the Yankees this season.

A career .243 hitter, Ackley has spent all five of his big league seasons with the Mariners. He is batting .215 with six home runs, 19 RBIs and a .635 OPS this season.

The Yankees apparently were attracted by his versatility; Ackley has played 282 of his 584 games at second base and 270 others in the outfield, primarily left. Ackley is earning $2.6 million in 2015 and will be arbitration-eligible after the season.

It is unclear how the Yankees will use Ackley. They have an All-Star left fielder in Brett Gardner,and while everyday second basemanStephen Drewis hitting .192, he has 13 home runs and is considered an excellent defensive player.

The trade was first reported by Jack Curry of the YES Network.