Royals add depth by claiming Ciriaco off waivers

KANSAS CITY -- Pedro Ciriaco must keep his suitcases handy. On Tuesday, the Royals became his third team in 2013.

The Royals claimed the infielder off outright waivers from the Padres. Ciriaco, 27, has already spent time with the Red Sox and Padres this season. Last month, Boston traded him to San Diego for a player to be named.

In 51 big league games this season, the right-handed-hitting Ciriaco has a .228 batting average with two home runs, eight RBIs and eight stolen bases. He has played all four infield positions.

"We acquired him for organizational depth. He's currently added to our 40-man roster and we don't have to set our 25-man [active] roster until Friday, so we're still evaluating his role," general manager Dayton Moore said. "He's a very versatile player with speed and the ability to play short."

Because Ciriaco is out of options, he could not be sent to the Minor Leagues without first clearing waivers. In his career, he's been primarily a shortstop but also has logged considerable time at second base.

The Royals have been trying to get more production out of the second-base position. After Chris Getz was optioned to Triple-A Omaha, the Royals have been using Elliot Johnson and, more recently, Johnny Giavotella at second base. But Johnson is hitting .210 and Giavotella, in 10 games since his recall, has a .206 average (7-for-34).

Ciriaco hit .293 with 16 stolen bases in 76 games in 2012 for the Red Sox. He was with the Pirates in 2010-11. The native of the Dominican Republic is a career .279 hitter with four home runs and 34 RBIs in 158 Major League games.