CINCINNATI — The New York Yankees acquired infielder Jerry Hairston Jr. from the Cincinnati Reds on Friday, giving them a versatile player who has appeared at six positions this season.

The Reds received minor league catcher Chase Weems in the deal.
Hairston confirmed he was traded before the Reds’ scheduled game against the Colorado Rockies. He is batting .254 with eight homers and 27 RBIs, having played shortstop, second base, third base and all three outfield positions this season.
With speedy outfielder Brett Gardner on the disabled list with a broken thumb, the Yankees moved to shore up their bench. Hairston gives the AL East leaders an experienced player who could spell several stars, including third baseman Alex Rodriguez, shortstop Derek Jeter and left fielder Johnny Damon.
“Whatever they ask me to do, I’ll do it,” Hairston said. “I can play anywhere.”
It was the Reds’ first trade of the week and caught Hairston by surprise. Other teams had been interested in Cincinnati’s relievers.
“I’m a little shocked right now,” he said. “I feel a closeness with these guys. At the same time, I’m going to New York where we have a chance to win.”
The 20-year-old Weems was batting .260 with a homer and 14 RBIs in 55 games with Class-A Charleston this season. He was picked in the sixth round of the 2007 draft.