Chris Johnson traded to Diamondbacks

Johnson goes from the worst team in baseball to the pennant race. (Getty Images)

The Diamondbacks have acquired third baseman Chris Johnson from the Astros, the two clubs have announced. In return, Houston gets two minor-leaguers: Infielder Bobby Borchering and outfielder Marc Krauss.

Johnson, 27, is hitting .279/.329/.428 with eight homers, 41 RBI and 36 runs this season. He'll fill a gaping hole at third base for the D-Backs, as Ryan Roberts was a bust and then designated for assignment (and picked up by the Rays) this season.

Borchering, 21, is hitting .130/.183/.208 in 21 Double-A games since being promoted from High-A. He was the Diamondbacks' first-round pick in the 2009 MLB Draft.

Krauss, 24, is hitting .283/.416/.509 with 15 homers, 61 RBI and 75 runs scored in Double-A this season.

Though they trail the more high-profile Giants and Dodgers in the NL West, the D-Backs are the defending division champions and are very much in the race. They entered Sunday trailing the Giants by just 4.5 games.

Johnson left a message for the Astros and their fans on Twitter:

To the Astros organization & fans: Thank you for the support for so many years and for giving me the opportunity to represent Houston. -- 23

— Chris Johnson (@CJAstros23) July 29, 2012

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