Indians acquire Fukudome from Cubs to boost outfield

CHICAGO, July 28 (Reuters) - The Cleveland Indians, needing help in their outfield, have acquiredKosuke Fukudome from the Chicago Cubs as part of a three-player deal, the teams said.

The Indians, who also will receive unspecified cash in the trade, sent minor leaguers Abner Abreu, an outfielder, and Carlton Smith, a pitcher, to the Cubs, Cleveland said in a statement.

Japan’s Fukudome, 34, hit .273 in 87 games with the Cubs this season, primarily as their leadoff batter.

He is in the final year of a four-year $48 million contract, and the Cubs are expected to pay most of the estimated $4.5 million remaining for this season.

Cleveland is short on outfielders with Grady Sizemore and Choo Shin-soo on the disabled list.

The Indians were no-hit by the Los Angeles Angels’ Ervin Santana on Wednesday.