Royals Aquire Duckworth From Pirates

[ThomasTomasz]

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- The Kansas City Royals acquired Brandon Duckworth, a 30-year-old right-hander, from the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday for cash considerations.

Duckworth was 8-3 with a 2.42 ERA in 12 starts with Indianapolis, the Pirates' Class AAA affiliate. In 74 1/3 innings, he allowed 67 hits, walked 23 and struck out 57.

Duckworth will go into the Royals' rotation, stating on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Angels. Duckworth will become the Royals' 12th starter this season.

Duckworth appeared in 91 games, including 66 starts, in the majors with the Philadelphia Phillies and Houston Astros, going 16-21 with a 5.34 ERA.

To make roster space for Duckworth, the Royals designated for assignment right-hander Kyle Snyder, a 1999 first-round pick, who was called up on Thursday. Snyder lasted only two-plus innings in a no-decision against the Texas Rangers, allowing 10 hits and nine runs, four unearned.

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slu...v=ap&type=lgns

[Porter]

The Royals need all the pitchers they can get right now.