Royals acquire Josh Willingham in trade with Twins

The Kansas City Royals have acquired Minnesota Twins outfielder Josh Willingham in a trade, the team announced Monday. Kansas City sent minor league pitcher Jason Adam to Minnesota in return.

The Kansas City Royals have acquired Minnesota Twins outfielder Josh Willingham in a trade, the team announced Monday. Kansas City sent minor league pitcher Jason Adam to Minnesota in return.

Willingham is batting .210 this season, with a .402 slugging percentage. His batting average is much higher (.243) against left-handed pitching than against righties (.195). 

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Adam, a 23-year-old righthander, was recently called up to Triple-A. In 15 innings for Omaha, he has a 2.35 ERA.

Willingham had been linked to the Seattle Mariners and New York Yankees ahead of the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. He was claimed off waivers by the Royals, according to Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star.

The Royals currently hold the second Wild Card spot in the American League, and sit just a half-game behind the Tigers in the AL Central. Kansas City has won 15 of its last 18 games.

- Dan Gartland