Orioles acquire Bourn to seek supremacy in the AL East

[September 01, 2016]  (Reuters) - The Baltimore Orioles acquired outfielder Michael Bourn in a trade with Arizona on Wednesday, completing a busy day for the American League East contenders.

Diamondbacks center fielder Michael Bourn (1) heads back to the dugout after striking out against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

The Orioles sent a minor league outfielder to the Diamondbacks to complete the exchange, just hours after Baltimore had claimed outfielder Drew Stubbs off waivers from the Texas Rangers.

To clear a roster spot, they designated left-hander Kyle Lobstein, whom they acquired from the Pirates in exchange for minor league pitcher Zach Phillips earlier in the day.

The 33-year-old Bourn hit .261 in 89 games with the D-Backs this season. A speedy player, he led the National League in stolen bases three consecutive campaigns from 2009-11.

Baltimore (72-61) is in the thick of the playoff race, trailing first-place Toronto by four games and the top wild card spot by two.

(Writing by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles; Editing by John O'Brien)

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