The Chicago Cubs have struggled with a lack of infield depth all season, and the issue was only exarcebated by an injury that has kept starting third baseman Aramis Ramirez on the DL for two months. On Wednesday night the club made a move to shore up their infield, trading pitching prospect Alberto Alburquerque to the Colorado Rockies for utility infielder Jeff Baker.

Baker went to the 15-day DL April 27 for a sprained right hand, was moved to the 60-day DL on May 24 and has just completed a seven-game rehab stint at Triple-A Colorado Springs. In his career, Baker has played second base, first base, third base, right and left field. Third base is his natural position (he was a three-time All-American at the hot corner for Clemson). Baker is a career .279 hitter, with 13 home runs, and a .902 OPS against lefties, so he might have a shot to play with the big club against southpaws.

In limited time with the Rockies this season Baker was He was batting .130 with 3 RBI. From 2005-2009, the 28-year-old batted .257 with 88 RBI and 22 home run in 231 games with the Rockies.

Alburquerque, a relief pitcher for Class A Daytona, will be reassigned to Double-A Tulsa. In 24 relief appearances at Daytona, the 23-year-old was 1-0, posting a 2.08 ERA, 36 strikeouts and 18 walks.