Infielder Jeff Bianchi Claimed by Cubs

KANSAS CITY, MO (December 9, 2011) – The Kansas City Royals announced today that infielder Jeff Bianchi has been claimed off waivers by the Chicago Cubs. He was designated for assignment by the Royals on November 30.

Bianchi, 25, spent the entire 2011 season at Double-A Northwest Arkansas, where he batted .259 with two home runs, 48 RBI and 2 stolen bases in 119 games. The native of Lancaster, Pa., holds a .281 average in 490 minor league games since being selected b Kansas City in the second round of the 2005 June Free Agent Draft.