Royals recall Giavotella, designate Francoeur for assignment

KANSAS CITY, MO (June 29, 2013) - The Kansas City Royals today announced that the club has recalled infielder Johnny Giavotella from Omaha (AAA) and designated outfielder Jeff Francoeur for assignment. Giavotella will be in uniform on Sunday when the Royals wrap-up their series in Minneapolis.

"Jeff made incredible contributions to our ballclub and our community," said Dayton Moore, Royals' Senior Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager. "I personally want to thank him for the winning attitude he brought to our clubhouse and our city."

Giavotella, 26, was hitting .287 (83-for-287) in 77 games for the Storm Chasers with 40 runs scored, 18 doubles, seven homers and 38 RBI. He heads to the Majors riding a 10-game hitting streak in which he's batted .472 (17-for-36). He has appeared in 99 career games for the Royals over the last two seasons hitting .242 with 41 runs scored, 16 doubles, five triples, three homers and 36 RBI.

Francoeur, on the last year of a two-year contract, was hitting .208 (28-for-183) with three homers and 13 RBI this year.