The Pirates acquired minor league starter Eric Hacker from the New York Yankees in a trade for minor league reliever Romulo Sanchez.

Hacker, 26, had been designated for assignment last Saturday and was not going to clear waivers, so the Yankees opted to make a trade. He is right-handed, has a power arm and is coming off a strong 2008 in which he had a 2.43 ERA, 115 strikeouts and 37 walks split between Class A and AA in the Yankees' system. So far this season, he had a 4.11 ERA in three Class AA starts, 7.88 ERA in three Class AAA starts.

Hacker's career has been slowed by major injuries: He lost all of 2004 to reconstructive elbow surgery, all of 2006 to shoulder surgery.

Phil Dumatrait was transferred from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day to clear space on the 40-man for Hacker.

Check PBC Blog for details.