OAKLAND, Calif. — The Kansas City Royals have 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.
The 34-year-old Zobrist, an infielder and outfielder, batted .268 with six home runs, 20 doubles, two triples and 33 RBI in 67 games for the A’s, who are last in the AL West.
He joins a Royals team that leads the AL Central a season after beating Oakland in the one-game wild card on the way to its first World Series in 29 years and a seven-game loss to San Francisco.
Kansas City general manager Dayton Moore already dealt for former Cincinnati ace Johnny Cueto while sending three left-handers to the Reds in the swap.
Zobrist missed a month following arthroscopic left knee surgery in late April for a torn meniscus.
A’s general manager Billy Beane pulled off his second trade in 24 hours and third in six days. Oakland dealt closer Tyler Clippard to the New York Mets on Monday night after trading lefty Scott Kazmir to his hometown Houston Astros last Thursday.
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 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.
Having Zobrist available to play so many spots also will give manager Ned Yost an opportunity to rotate players and rest others down the stretch to keep everybody healthy and fresh for what the Royals hope is another World Series run.
Brooks had a 6.23 ERA over two appearances for the Royals and 41/3 innings. He has mostly pitched at Triple-A Omaha, going 6-5 with a 3.71 ERA in 18 games and 17 starts.
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.
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