The Royals have acquired catcher Tony Cruz from the Cardinals in exchange for minor league infielder Jose Martinez.
29 year old Cruz hit .204 with seven doubles, two homers and 11 RBI in 69 games. He caught 51 games for the Redbirds and also appeared in three games at third base. The right-handed hitter has played in parts of five seasons with St. Louis and is a career .220 hitter with 32 doubles, three triples, five homers and 58 RBI in 259 Major League games. He’s also thrown out 27 percent (25-for-92) of would-be basestealers in his big league career.
Martinez, 19, spent a majority of the year at Burlington (Rookie), hitting .243 with four doubles, a homer and 24 RBI in 57 games.
To make room for Cruz on the 40-man roster, the Royals have designated catcher Francisco Pena for assignment.