SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Kansas City has acquired utility player Elliott Johnson from the Tampa Bay Rays as the player to be named in the Dec. 9 trade that sent James Shields and Wade Davis to Kansas City for top prospects Wil Myers and Jake Odorizzi along with two other minor leaguers.
The switch-hitting Johnson batted .242 with 10 doubles, six homers, 33 RBIs, and 18 steals last year with the Rays. The 29-year-old started 68 games at shortstop and also played second, third and the outfield.
To make room for Johnson on the 40-man big league roster, the Royals transferred right-hander Felipe Paulino to the 60-day disabled list. Paulino is rehabbing from elbow surgery and not expected to pitch before July.
