PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) — The Pittsburgh Pirates traded with Milwaukee for third baseman Casey McGehee Monday, sending relief pitcher Jose Veras to the Brewers.

McGehee, 29, will back up Pedro Alvarez at third base and provide the Pirates with depth in case Alvarez suffers through more struggles in his third season in the big leagues.

McGehee hit .233 in 546 at bats last season with the Brewers, hitting 13 home runs and registering a .280 on-base percentage. He drove in 104 runs in 2010.

McGehee could also start at third base and provide Pittsburgh with the much-debated option of moving Alvarez to first base.

The Pirates traded Veras away before the Monday arbitration deadline. He was in jeopardy of not being tendered.

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