Keith

McDonald

McDonald, who briefly played in the majors for the Cardinals in 2000 and 2001, hit .239 with 14 HR for Triple-A Iowa last season. He’ll be a longshot candidate to take over as the Pirates’ backup catcher.

Yes, it’s a separate transaction. The Rangers needed another Triple-A catcher after Robert Machado chose to leave the organization. McDonald will back up Gerald Laird for Oklahoma.

The Bombers must be giving up Derek Jeter since they’re getting one of the greatest hitters in major league history (three homers in nine at-bats in 2000-01). The Yankees may carry three catchers initially, with Wil Nieves getting the third spot, so McDonald becomes another option for Triple-A Columbus.

Jorge Posada is expected back behind the plate on Thursday, so McDonald was no longer needed in major league camp.

McDonald, who made brief appearances with the Cardinals in 2000 and 2001, hit .255/.342/.380 for Triple-A Nashville last season. He’s very unlikely to make the Orioles as Javy Lopez’s backup.