Blue Jays acquire OF Lewis from Giants

The Toronto Blue Jays acquired outfielder Fred Lewis from the San Francisco Giants for a player to be named or cash.

Lewis, activated from the 15-day disabled list earlier Thursday, batted .277 with 16 home runs and 81 RBIs in 326 games for the Giants.

``What he's done in the past, having been an everyday player before, those are the guys ideally you'd like to fill your bench with, guys with experience,'' Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos said. ``Those are better bench players. We felt it was an upgrade maybe over what we have currently.''

Toronto optioned outfielder Jeremy Reed to Triple-A Las Vegas to open up a spot for Lewis, and moved right-hander Dustin McGowan (shoulder) from the 15-day DL to the 60-day DL to make room on the 40-man roster.

The 29-year-old strained a left ribcage muscle during spring training. He began the season on the DL but was activated Thursday after going 9 for 22 (.409) with a homer, six RBIs and six runs scored in seven games with Triple-A Fresno.

The Giants would have had to place him on waivers if they wanted to send him back down to the minor leagues.

Reed was called up Monday when second baseman Aaron Hill (right hamstring) was placed on the 15-day disabled list. He played in two games for Toronto.