THURSDAY: The Royals have outrighted Ciriaco to Triple-A Omaha, according to Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star (on Twitter). It seems likely that the Royals were interested in adding Ciriaco as organizational depth but didn't want to use a 40-man roster spot on him and placed him on waivers. This time, he cleared and was assigned to the minor leagues.
TUESDAY: The Royals claimed shortstop Pedro Ciriaco off waivers from the Padres, according to a team press release. Ciriaco had been designated for assignment on Friday. The Royals now have 39 players on their 40-man roster.
Ciriaco, 27, hit .228/.288/.342 in 126 plate appearances for the Red Sox and Padres this year, spending most of his time at shortstop. Ciriaco was signed by the Diamondbacks out of the Dominican Republic in 2003. He went to the Pirates in a trade deadline deal three years ago, was granted free agency after the 2011 season, signed as a minor league free agent with Boston in January 2012, and was acquired in trade by the Padres in June of this year after they had designated him for assignment.
Prior to the 2011 season, Ciriaco was ranked 27th among Pirates prospects by Baseball America. They noted his "plus speed, smooth glove, and strong arm," suggesting his bat would determine whether he could land an everyday role. The Royals' middle infield mix currently consists of Alcides Escobar, Johnny Giavotella, Miguel Tejada, and Elliot Johnson.
