Royals Acquire Emilio Bonifacio While Waiting On Mike Moustakas Injury

Jun 28, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Emilio Bonifacio (1) throws to first base against the Boston Red Sox during the fifth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

This morning, Mike Moustakas reported to Kauffman Stadium wearing a walking boot. On Monday, he’d left the game with tightness in his calf. At this time, the Royals aren’t sure when he’ll be back to 100% but he’s out today and some think he could be out longer. Ned Yost put out five days as a potential timeframe.

With that being the case, the Royals went out and acquired utility player Emilio Bonifacio from Toronto for a player to be named later or cash. Bonifacio is hitting .218/.258/.321 this year, is a switch-hitter, and has played all over the diamond. To make room for him on the 40 man roster, the Royals moved Miguel Tejada to the 60 day DL. A move to put Bonifacio on the big league roster will be announced when he reports to the team.

I had previously discussed roster redundancies and getting the most out of each roster spot, and this looks like the acquisition of a player with similar skills as Elliot Johnson, who hasn’t been hitting much of anything for the last two months. If Moustakas doesn’t go on the disabled list, it probably spells doom for Johnson’s roster spot.

Bonifacio has had some good years, but this season has been a struggle, and he’s playing at a replacement level. He has two more years of arbitration eligibility and is making $2.6 million this year. Why Irving Falu or Anthony Seratelli can’t get a look in a similar role is confusing, but the Royals do tend to favor veterans, and right now, in a playoff push, they’ve picked up Justin Maxwell and Jamey Carroll as well in the last two weeks.

Bonifacio last played third base in 2011. He’s primarily been at second base and left field in 2013. He’s the older brother of Royals outfield prospect Jorge Bonifacio.