Royals announce roster moves

KANSAS CITY, MO (July 18, 2013) - The Kansas City Royals announced today that infielder Chris Getz and relief pitcher Kelvin Herrera have been placed on the taxi squad in anticipation of being recalled on Friday. In a corresponding move, the Royals have optioned infielder Johnny Giavotella and relief pitcher Everett Teaford to Triple-A Omaha.

The club also announced that infielder Pedro Ciriaco, who KC claimed off waivers on Tuesday, has been assigned to Omaha.

Getz, 29, opened the year as the Royals' starting second baseman, but was optioned to Omaha on June 22. The sixth-year infielder is batting .214 in 47 games for KC this season with five doubles, one homer and four stolen bases. Getz hit .313 in 14 games with the Storm Chasers during his minor league stint, collecting five doubles and a triple in 64 at bats. He's in his fourth season with the Royals and is a .252 career hitter, including a career-best .275 average in 2012.

Herrera, 23, is in his third stint with Kansas City this season. He was optioned to Omaha most recently on June 25. The right-handed reliever is 3-5 with a 5.20 ERA in 29 appearances with the Royals this season. Herrera has made 12 relief appearances between Omaha and Northwest Arkansas, allowing two earned runs in 18.0 innings for a 1.00 ERA. He's recorded a combined 27 strikeouts and just six walks for the Storm Chasers and Naturals. Herrera is 7-9 with a 3.24 ERA in 107 appearances at the Major League level.