C George Kottaras Claimed off Waivers by Kansas City

OAKLAND, Calif. – The Oakland A's announced today that catcher George Kottaras was claimed off waivers by the Kansas City Royals.  Kottaras was designated for assignment January 16 when the A's acquired John Jaso.

Kottaras was acquired from Milwaukee July 29, 2012 and batted .212 with six home runs and 19 RBI in 27 games with the A's after hitting .209 with three home runs and 12 RBI in 58 games with the Brewers.  He had a .211 average in 85 games overall and added a career-high 37 walks for a career-high .351 on-base percentage.  The 29-year-old left-handed hitter has a .220 career average in five seasons with Boston (2008-09), Milwaukee (2010-12) and Oakland (2012).