Royals claim outfielder Jimmy Paredes off waivers from Baltimore

The Kansas City Royals announced today that they have claimed outfielder Jimmy Paredes (pronounced: pah-RAY-dis) off Waivers from the Baltimore Orioles. Paredes will be placed on the Royals' 40-man roster. In a corresponding roster move, the club has designated right-handed pitcher Maikel Cleto for assignment.

Paredes, 25, has spent the last three seasons in the Houston Astros' organization, playing 118 games at the Major League level since 2011. He hit .192 (24-for-125) with four doubles, a homer and 10 RBI last season for the Astros. The switch-hitting outfielder was originally signed by the New York Yankees as a non-drafted free agent in 2007. The Royals will be Paredes' third team this offseason, having been claimed by the Miami Marlins on November 4, 2013, and then by the Orioles Saturday (February 15).

Cleto, 24, went 1-2 with a 3.55 ERA in 19 appearances for Triple-A Omaha last season.

For additional information, members of the media may contact the Royals Media Relations Department at (816) 921-8000.