Former Padres Farm Hand Claimed Off Waivers By The Royals

The Kansas City Royals claimed George Kottaras off waivers from the Oakland Athletics on Friday, D.J. Short of NBC Sports reports. Kottaras was designated for assignment last week after the A’s traded for catcher John Jaso.

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Kottaras, a former Padre farm hand, split last season with the Milwaukee Brewers and A’s where he compiled a .220 batting average with six home runs and 19 RBIs over 85 games.  The Canadian catcher provides much needed depth at catcher for the Royals who have Brett Hayes and the youngster Salvador Perez.

Kottaras was drafted by the Padres in the 20th round in the 2002 Major League Draft. Although he never played with the Padres’ Big League club, Kottaras did manage to play in the 2006 All-Star Futures Game for Team World.

Earlier this month Kottaras avoided arbitration with the A’s by agreeing to a one-year contract, now the Royals will be responsible for his salary next year.