Dodgers finalize deal for Skip Schumaker

Skip Schumaker passed a physical examination Wednesday to finalize his trade to the Dodgers from the St. Louis Cardinals.

In exchange for the 32-year-old utilityman, the Dodgers sent minor league shortstop Jake Lemmerman to the Cardinals.

Lemmerman, 23, was selected in the fifth round of the 2010 draft. He batted .233 with seven home runs and 46 runs batted in for double-A Chattanooga last season.

Hitting coach Mark McGwire pushed for the Dodgers to acquire the 35-year-old Schumaker, with whom he worked in St. Louis. Schumaker has played eight seasons in the major leagues, all with the Cardinals. He has a .288 career average.

Schumaker, who bats left-handed, is a career .305 hitter against right-handed pitchers. He is expected to share time at second base with the right-handed-hitting Mark Ellis. Schumaker can also play all outfield positions.

Schumaker is entering the second year of a two-year, $3-million deal. He will be paid $1.5 million in 2013.

ALSO:

Time for Magic Johnson, Dodgers owner, to can the Lakers talk

Is Stan Kasten a genius? Ask $147-million signee Zack Greinke

It was mutual admiration between Zack Greinke and Dodgers brass