CHICAGO – The Chicago Cubs traded backup shortstop Cesar Izturis and cash to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday for a player to be named later.

Izturis, an All-Star with the Dodgers in 2005 before his season was cut short by elbow surgery, joined the Cubs at the trading deadline last season when Chicago dealt Greg Maddux to Los Angeles.

In 65 games for the Cubs this season, Izturis was batting .246 with eight RBIs. His playing time had diminished after Ryan Theriot took over as the No. 1 shortstop.

Manager Lou Piniella said he initially penciled Izturis’ name into the lineup for Thursday’s game against the Giants before the trade was made.

“Cesar was a really good guy. He wasn’t getting much playing time here,” Piniella said. “In fairness to him, let him go somewhere where he can play.”

The 27-year-old Izturis is in the final year of his contract.

“Theriot really took over the job,” Piniella said. “There is nothing wrong with Izturis. Izturis is a good player.”

The Cubs also purchased the contract of catcher Jake Fox from Double-A Tennessee. He can also play first and third bases and the outfield.