Royals acquire catcher Butera from Angels

KANSAS CITY -- The Royals bolstered their backup catcher situation on Thursday, acquiring Drew Butera from the Angels in exchange for Minor League infielder Ryan Jackson.

Butera, 31, is expected to join the team in Detroit on Friday. Butera recently was designated for assignment by the Angels and is out of options.

The Royals on Wednesday placed backup catcher Erik Kratz on the 15-day disabled list with a left foot injury. Catcher Francisco Pena had been called up from Triple-A Omaha.

"I felt like we needed to add depth," Royals general manager Dayton Moore said.

Butera will be added to the 25-man roster Friday when the club will make a corresponding move, likely shipping Pena back to Omaha.

Butera is not viewed as a superior player to Kratz, who will remain the team's primary backup, Moore said.

"We're just trying to get through this period of time," Moore said.

Butera played in 10 games for the Angels this season and hit .190 (4-for-21). He played for Minnesota from 2010-2013 before playing 61 games for the Dodgers last season.

Jackson, 26, was acquired from the Dodgers during the offseason for cash considerations.