OAKLAND, Calif. — The Kansas City Royals made another big addition for the season’s stretch run, acquiring utilityman Ben Zobrist and cash from the Oakland Athletics on Tuesday for right-hander Aaron Brooks and minor league left-hander Sean Manaea.
Zobrist, a 34-year-old infielder and outfielder, batted .268 with six home runs, 20 doubles, two triples and 33 RBIs in 67 games for the A’s, who are last in the AL West. He joins a Royals team that leads the American League Central one season after beating Oakland in the one-game wild card playoff on the way to its first World Series in 29 years and a seven-game loss to the San Francisco Giants.
Zobrist missed a month following arthroscopic left knee surgery in late April for a torn meniscus.
Zobrist could fill a void in left field and play some second base. Left fielder Alex Gordon is likely sidelined until at least late September after the All-Star strained his groin while tracking a fly ball just before the break. Jarrod Dyson and Paulo Orlando were platooning at the position, but Moore sought an upgrade until Gordon’s return.
Brooks had a 6.23 ERA over two appearances spanning 4 1-3 innings for the Royals.
Manaea, a top prospect, has pitched in rookie ball, Class-A and Double-A so far this season. The A’s have been reloading their farm system ahead of Friday’s trade deadline.
Thumbnail photo via Kelley L Cox/USA TODAY Sports Images
