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DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers today announced the club has acquired third baseman Wilson Betemit from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for lefthanded pitcher Antonio Cruz and catcher Julio Rodriguez.
Betemit, 29, batted .281 (57x203) with 15 doubles, a triple, three home runs and 27 RBI in 57 games with the Royals in 2011. He has primarily played third base for the Royals this season, seeing action in 47 games at the position. Additionally, Betemit saw action at first base (three games) and second base (one game) with Kansas City.
A veteran of nine seasons at the major league level with the Atlanta Braves (2001, 2004-06), Los Angeles Dodgers (2006-07), New York Yankees (2007-08), Chicago White Sox (2009) and Royals (2010-11), Betemit has posted a .268 batting average (434x1622), 100 doubles, five triples, 58 home runs and 224 RBI in 657 games during his career.
The Tigers will announce a corresponding roster when Betemit reports to the club.
Cruz, 19, posted a 2-6 record, 3.11 ERA (75.1IP/26ER), one save and 58 strikeouts in 22 outings (10 starts) with Single A West Michigan in 2011.
Rodriguez, 21, saw action in 66 games with Single A Lakeland this season, hitting .283 (64x226) with 11 doubles, a triple, home run and 27 RBI.
