Scutaro heads a bit West, joining the pennant race. (Getty Images)

The Colorado Rockies have traded middle infielder Marco Scutaro to the Giants for infielder Charlie Culberson, the Rockies announced Friday night. The Rockies are also sending "cash considerations" to the Giants -- meaning they are paying the Giants in order to make this move happen.

Scutaro, 36, is hitting .271/.324/.361 with four homers, 30 RBI, 47 runs, 16 doubles and seven steals this season.

Incumbent shortstop Brandon Crawford is a light hitter, but he's also a very valuable defensive player, so it's unlikely Scutaro sees much time at short. The smart money is that Scutaro eats up some of second baseman Ryan Theriot's playing time, but also consider Pablo Sandoval's recently injured hamstring. If he has to go to the disabled list, Scutaro could also help fill in at third (though he hasn't played there since 2008).

This move marks a return to the Bay Area for Scutaro, as he spent 2004-2007 with the Oakland Athletics.

Culberson, 23, only saw action in six games for the Giants this season. He hit .136/.136/.136 with an RBI. In 90 games for Triple-A Fresno, Culberson hit .236/.281/.396 with 14 doubles, six triples, 10 homers, 53 RBI, 52 runs and eight steals. He's seen time at second, short and third in the minors, but only second base since 2009.

For more baseball news, rumors and analysis, follow @EyeOnBaseball on Twitter, subscribe to the RSS feed and "like" us on Facebook.