Giants Trade Playoff Star Leonard to Milwaukee for Infielder Riles

Outfielder Jeffrey Leonard, the San Francisco Giants’ postseason star of 1987 who had been demoted to part-time duty, was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers Wednesday for infielder Ernest Riles.

Leonard, 32, a member of the Giants since 1981, was the most valuable player of the National League Championship Series last fall. He was hitting .256 in 44 games this season, with 2 homers and 20 RBIs, and was benched frequently in recent weeks as the Giants started Mike Aldrete, 27, in left field and Candy Maldonado, 27, in right.

“It’s not too much of a surprise; I’m in the last year of a contract and all that stuff,” Leonard said. “It all comes down to the younger players. Mike Aldrete and Candy Maldonado have to play every day. Hopefully, I’ll get to play every day in Milwaukee--wherever that is. I’m leaving a class organization.”

Leonard, acquired from Houston in 1981, was the Giants’ regular left fielder most of the time since 1982. He has been bothered by various injuries during his career and has never played more than 139 games in a season.

Riles, 27, a left-handed hitter who plays third base, shortstop and second base, was batting .252 in 41 games this season, with 1 homer and 9 RBIs. He was in his fourth season with Milwaukee.