The Kansas City Royals have sent shortstop Tony Pena Jr. to Surprise, Arizona to work on becoming a pitcher. The light hitting infielder cleared waivers and the Royals are hoping Pena Jr. can turn his career around.
Pena had a decent year in 2007 when he hit .267. He’s known for his defense and the Royals would have lived with a .260 hitter, but his numbers declined in each of the last two seasons where he hit .098 in 53 at-bats this season.
In a mop up game against Detroit last year, Pena retired the Tigers 1-2-3 striking Ivan Rodriquez, which raised the interest of Royals’ management. Pena will work in Arizona on developing three pitches. He will not be called up to help the bullpen this year.