Rockies-Diamondbacks trade: Ryan Wheeler acquired by Colorado, Matt Reynolds to Arizona

The Colorado Rockies announced Tuesday via Twitter that they traded left-handed relief pitcher Matt Reynolds to the Arizona Diamondbacks for corner infield prospect Ryan Wheeler.

Colorado drafted Reynolds out of Austin Peay State University in the 20th round of the 2007 draft, and the southpaw put up great numbers at every stop up the minor-league ladder.

In 2010, the Rockies called Reynolds up to the big club after he managed a sterling 2.62 ERA over 50 games in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League. He didn't disappoint, notching a 2.00 ERA in 20 appearances. However, Reynolds failed to match those results in the two ensuing seasons, with a combined ERA of 4.25 in 144 games and 108 innings. His strikeout rate declined and his hit rate rose, with 10.2 hits surrendered per nine innings in 2012.

In exchange for the 28-year-old lefty, the Rockies get an intriguing prospect. The 24-year-old Wheeler adds another bat to the mix of corner infielders, with Chris Nelson and Jordan Pacheco offering other options. The Diamondbacks tabbed Wheeler in the fifth round of the 2009 draft out of Loyola Marymount University. He hit .351 with 15 home runs in 93 games for Triple-A Reno before Arizona called him up this season. Wheeler batted .239 in 50 games for the Diamondbacks.