SAN FRANSCISCO, Calif., July 22 (UPI) -- The San Francisco Giants have acquired Shea Hillenbrand from Toronto.
The disgruntled Hillenbrand was released by the Blue Jays earlier this week after a dispute with management and his refusal to sit on the team's bench Wednesday night against Texas.
He ripped the team for his not being in the starting lineup for the second straight game after returning to the club following three days off to complete the adoption of a baby girl.
"I feel there are two sides to the story," said Giants' general manager Brian Sabean. "We're getting a player we highlighted and designated to acquire."
Hillenbrand, a six-year veteran, was hitting .301 with 12 home runs and 39 RBI in 296 at-bats. He has a career average of .290 with 95 homers and 430 RBI.
The Giants also got right-hander reliever Vinnie Chulk while Toronto received right-hander Jeremy Accardo. The deal was made late Friday.
