Padres acquire Ryan Jackson from the Astros for Jesus Guzman

Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

San Diego,CA- The San Diego Padres have acquired INF Ryan Jackson from the Astros for Jesus Guzman.

Jackson, 25, who’s a plus defender at shortstop can also play 2nd base and third base, gives the Padres an ace utility infielder off the bench.

Jackson had a line of .278 with 19 doubles, one triple, three home runs, 34 RBI, 49 runs scored and a .352 on-base percentage in Triple-A for the Cardinals last season.

Jackson made his Major League debut for the Cardinals in 2012 and has played in 20 games in parts of two seasons with the Cardinals.

Jackson who was originally signed by the Cardinals as a fifth-round selection in the 2009 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of Miami, was a surprise cut by the Cardinals this offseason as Jackson was viewed as a better shortstop than Pete Kozma and at worst MLB utility guy.

The Padres tried to aquire Jackson when he was recently placed on outright waivers by the Cardinals this offseason before he was acquired by the Astros.

Guzman has been a very productive player off the bench for the Padres the last few seasons, but with similar players in Kyle Blanks and Tommy Medica who are younger and more versatile on defense already on the roster the time had come for Guzman and the Padres to part ways.