The Royals traded second baseman Tony Graffanino to the Red Sox for two minor league players on Tuesday. Kansas city will get outfielder Chip Ambres, who is hitting .294 with 10 home runs, 50 RBI’s and 17 stolen bases at Class-AAA Pawtucket this season. He’s expected to take Graffanino’s spot on the roster. He was the Marlins’ first-round pick in 1998.

Kansas City also gets lefty Juan Cedeno, who is 2-6 wit ha 5.63 ERA for Class-A Wilmington.

The Red Sox were in search of help at second base after Mark Bellhorn went to the 15-day disabled list with a sprained left thumb.

Graffanino, who started slow this season, is hitting .298 in 59 games this season. Graffanino joined the Royals in 2004 and hit .263 with three homers and 26 RBI’s in 75 games.