According to a several sources, the Blue Jays have acquired shortstop Yunel Escobar and left-handed pitcher Jo-Jo Reyes from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for shortstop Alex Gonzalez, left-handed pitcher Tim Collins and infielder Tyler Pastronicky.

“This trade improves our club for the second half of the season,” Atlanta Braves Executive Vice President and General Manager Frank Wren said (via press release). “We have been looking at ways to strengthen our club offensively and Alex Gonzalez is a proven veteran player who gives us added power. He is a winner and a solid offensive presence in the lineup as well as a quality defensive shortstop.”

Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com reported on July 6th that the Braves had been receiving calls regarding Escobar. At the time, Crasnick said, “Braves are hesitant to move Escobar because he’s only 27, is super-talented and they think he might be in for a big second half.”

On Monday there was word from Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that the Cardinals may have been interested in Gonzalez. Gonzalez, 33, is leading all AL shortstops with 17 home runs and 50 RBIs. Gonzalez is signed through this season on a one-year contract for $2.75 million. He has a team option for $2.5 million for next season.

Escobar is hitting .238/.334/.284 in 75 games with the Braves this season. He will be eligible for salary arbitration for the first time after this season.

Reyes, 25, made one appearance for the Braves this season. In 12 games (10 starts) for the Triple-A Braves, he was 1-5 withi a 5.70 ERA, 15 walks and 50 strikeouts in 47 1/3 innings of work. Reyes has been optioned by the Blue Jays to New Hampshire of the Eastern League (Double-A).

Collins, 20, has appearned in 35 games this year with the Double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats. He has a record of 1-0 with a 2.51 ERA with 9 saves.

Pastronicky, 20, is hitting .258 with 16 doubles, 6 home runs and 35 RBIs in 77 games with the Single A Dunedin Blue Jays.

In a parallel move, the Blue Jays designated right-handed pitcher Ronald Uviedo for assignment.