ST. LOUIS -- The Cardinals added to their outfield depth on Wednesday by acquiring Jose Martinez from the Royals for cash considerations. Martinez, 27, has been assigned him to the Cardinals' Triple-A Memphis roster.
In order to create space on the 40-man roster for Martinez, the Cardinals transferred reliever Mitch Harris to the 60-day disabled list. Harris has been sidelined since Spring Training due to a right elbow strain.
Martinez played 37 games for Triple-A Omaha this season and hit .298/.356/.433 before being designated for assignment on May 18. Over his 10 Minor League seasons, he has a slash line of .296/.357/.410. Martinez won the Pacific Coast League batting title in 2015 by hitting .384 with a .461 on-base percentage. He posted career highs in home runs (10) and RBIs (60), as well.
"I know it's somebody we've had interest in in the past," manager Mike Matheny said. "When that opportunity popped up, it gives us a little more depth. I know [general manager John Mozeliak] was keeping an eye on him."
Martinez, who had previously been with the White Sox and Braves organizations, has played 800 Minor League games without yet receiving a Major League callup.