The Royals continued their quest to find a backup catcher by acquiring Tony Cruz from the St. Louis Cardinals for minor league infielder Jose Martinez. The 29-year old Cruz is a five-year veteran with the Cardinals hitting .204/.235/.310 with 2 HR 11 RBI in 151 plate appearances last year. He is a lifetime .220/.262/.310 hitter in 633 Major League plate appearances. He replaced Yadier Molina in the lineup after a thumb injury ended the All-Star's season.
Cruz was originally a 26th round pick by the Cardinals in 2007 out of Palm Beach Community College.