The Kansas City Royals traded infielder Danny Valencia to the Toronto Blue Jays for two minor leaguers on Monday. The Blue Jays receive catcher Erik Kratz and pitcher Liam Hendriks.
Valencia, a career .265 hitter, will join his fifth team in as many years. He’s played for Minnesota, Boston, Baltimore and Kansas City. Valencia, 29, is a versatile infielder who can play second and third base, a position that the Blue Jays need depth in while Brett Lawrie recovers from a fractured right index finger, according to ESPN.
The Royals plan to bring back Christian Colon to the major leagues. Colon was four for 12 in six games for Kansas City before being optioned to Triple-A Omaha.
Kratz, 34, will take over for catcher Brett Hayes who was designated for assignment. Kratz played with Triple-A Buffalo for most of the year, hitting .299/ .354/ .517, according to the Kansas City Star. In 34 appearances in the major leagues Kratz has a .198 batting average with three home runs.
Hendriks, 25, is a right hander who will pitch for Triple-A Omaha.