DETROIT (Reuters) - The Detroit Tigers moved to shore up their injury-riddled offense by acquiring third baseman Jhonny Peralta from the Cleveland Indians in exchange for minor league left-hander Giovanni Soto, Major League Baseball's official website (mlb.com) reported Wednesday.

The Indians also sent cash to help cover the remainder of Peralta's $4.6 million salary for this season.

The 28-year-old Peralta, who shifted to third base this season after manning the shortstop position, is expected to take over third base while the Tigers wait for Brandon Inge to return from a broken left hand.

The power-hitting Peralta was having a sub-par year at the plate this season, hitting .246 with seven homers and 43 runs batted in for Cleveland.

To make room for Peralta on the 40-man roster, Detroit designated outfield prospect Wilkin Ramirez for assignment.

Besides Inge, the Tigers also lost outfielder Magglio Ordonez and second baseman Carlos Guillen to injuries last week.

(Writing by Larry Fine in New York, Editing by Steve Ginsburg)