By Rob Biertempfel

Published: Wednesday, March 20, 2013, 12:57 p.m.
Updated: Wednesday, March 20, 2013

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Pirates on Wednesday acquired infielder John McDonald from the Arizona Diamondbacks for a player to be named later or cash.

McDonald, 38, can play shortstop, second base and third. He'll make $1.5 million this year.

A right-handed batter, McDonald last season hit .249 with six homers and a .681 on-base plus slugging percentage. Over 14 seasons in the majors, he has a .243 average and a .608 OPS.

McDonald's arrival likely means Brandon Inge, a non-roster invitee, will not make the Opening Day roster. Inge, who's batting .111 this spring, can opt out of his contract with the Pirates if he's not on the active roster by March 26.

To make room for McDonald on the 40-man roster, infielder Chase d'Arnaud was placed on the 60-day disabled list. D'Arnaud will be out six to eight weeks after having surgery to reattach a torn ligament in his left thumb.

Dr. Thomas Graham performed the operation Monday at the Cleveland Clinic. D'Arnaud will be in a full cast for the next couple of weeks, and will have a follow-up exam April 1.

“I sort of figured I needed the surgery,” d'Arnaud said. “It really stinks, because I'd worked so hard this offseason. The timing is very annoying.”

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2. Pirates notebook: Beanballs escalate tension against Reds
3. Pirates announce signing of first-round pick McGuire
4. Pirates notebook: Mercer now the top option at shortstop
5. Pirates notebook: McDonald’s role might be in relief
6. Pirates notebook: Burnett goes on DL with ‘discomfort’ in calf
7. Reds hit 4 solo homers, defeat Pirates, 4-1
8. First-rounder McGuire expected to sign with Pirates on Tuesday
9. Morton, quick start propel Pirates past Reds
10. Cole solid again as Pirates beat Dodgers
11. Biertempfel: Pirates no stranger to baseball’s ‘rogue side’

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