IF/OF Elliot Johnson acquired from Rays as player to be named in December 9 trade
Felipe Paulino Placed on 60-day Disabled List
The Kansas City Royals today announced that infielder/outfielder Elliot Johnson was acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays as the player to be named in the December 9, 2012 trade that also sent right-handed pitchers James Shields and Wade Davis to the Royals.
Johnson, who will turn 29 on March 9, was placed on the Royals 40-man roster while right-handed pitcher Felipe Paulino was placed on the 60-day Disabled List effective today as he continued his rehab from Tommy John surgery. Paulino will be eligible for reinstatement on June 1. Johnson is expected to join the Royals Spring Training camp in Surprise, Ariz., on Thursday, February 14.
The switch-hitter played in 123 games for the Rays in 2012, batting .242 with 10 doubles, two triples, six home runs, 33 RBI and 32 runs scored. The 6-foot-1, 190-pounder also stole 18 bases in 24 attempts playing mostly at shortstop (68 starts), but also making starts at second base and third base and appearing in the outfield. Johnson is a career .223 hitter in 200 Major League games, all for Tampa Bay.
Johnson, born and raised in Arizona, now resides in Durham, NC, with his wife, Nicole, and their son, Blake.