KANSAS CITY, MO — Last year Raul Ibanez, 42, smacked 29 home runs for the Seattle Mariners which got him a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Angels. After batting .157/.258/.265 in 57 games, the Angels released the veteran of 19 big league seasons.
That provided every team in the Major Leagues an opportunity to pick up Ibanez and that it exactly what the Kansas City Royals did, signing him to amajor-league contract for the minimum salary.
Ibanez will get a chance to show whats left in the tank as a left handed bat off the bench, and perhaps spelling Bill Butler at DH against right handed pitching.
In addition, Kansas City has also recalled infielder Christian Colon from Triple-A Omaha. In corresponding moves with the Major League roster, the Royals have designated infielder Pedro Ciriaco and outfielder Justin Maxwell for assignment.
Colon, 25, was the Royals’ first-round draft pick (fourth overall) in 2010 and was hitting .296 in 74 games at Triple-A Omaha this season, with 14 doubles, 4 homers and a .360 on-base percentage.
