The Royals, seeking a shortstop to possibly replace Angel Berroa, have acquired Tony Pena Jr. from the Braves for minor-league pitcher Erik Cordier.
Pena, 26, could take over at short until prospect Angel Sanchez is ready for the majors. He is a gifted defender, but might not hit well enough to remain a major-league regular.
Pena, the son of Yankees coach Tony Pena Sr., is out of minor-league options. The Braves boast a surplus of young middle infielders, including Yunel Escobar, who has had a brilliant spring.
Cordier, 21, underwent elbow-ligament transplant surgery in December and is not expected to pitch this season. The Braves are gambling that he eventually will regain his 97-mph fastball.
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