Indians acquire Fukudome from Cubs

Chicago Cubs' Kosuke Fukudome hits a triple off Houston Astros relief pitcher Sergio Escalona on Saturday in Chicago.

CLEVELAND – The Cleveland Indians announced Thursday they have acquired outfielder Kosuke Fukudome and cash from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for outfielder Abner Abreu and righthanded pitcher Carlton Smith.

Fukudome, 34, currently owns the 14th highest on-base percentage in the National League at .374 and on the season is hitting .273 (80-293) with 15 doubles, 2 triples, 3 home runs and 13 RBI in 87 games, batting mainly lead-off for the Chicago Cubs.

He has scored 33 runs and is tied for 13th in the NL with 46 walks against just 57 strikeouts with an OPS of .742. The Osaki, Japan native has hit left-handed and right-handed pitching equally at a .273 clip this year and has hit .293 (22-75) with runners on base, .311 (14-45) with runners in scoring position and .304 (7-23) with runners in scoring position and 2 outs. His .370 on-base percentage out of the lead-off spot is sixth best in the NL.