Indians’ hot stove gathers steam

CLEVELAND – The Cleveland Indians traded outfielder Shin-Soo Choo and infielder-outfielder Jason Donald to the Cincinnati Reds for outfielder Drew Stubbs.

The deal came Tuesday night. The Indians are working on other deals, including one that could include shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera.

Choo, who has been Cleveland’s primary right fielder for the Indians since 2006, likely will play center and bat leadoff for Cincinnati.

Choo was entering the final year of his contract and is eligible for free agency in 2013. The 30-year-old Choo batted .283 with 16 homers and 67 RBIs in 155 games last season.

Donald hit .202 in 43 games.

Stubbs has played center field exclusively for the Reds. He batted .213 with 14 homers and 40 RBIs, and he struck out 166 times in 493 at-bats.