Royals Claim Yankees Pitcher Aaron Laffey Off Waivers; DFA Jesse Chavez

It may be the offseason for the Royals and free agency has yet to begin, but it hasn't stopped Kansas City from making moves as Tuesday the club was awarded left-handed pitcher Aaron Laffey off waivers from the New York Yankees. To make room for Laffey the club released pitcher Jesse Chavez.

The moves makes a lot of sense as Kansas City adds a left-handed pitcher with major league experience to a bullpen that trotted out Tim Collins from the bullpen as the only left-hander for much of the season.

Laffey, 26, also has experience in the American League Central Division having played four seasons with the Cleveland Indians. Originally a 16th round draft selection in 2003 by the Indians, Laffey has also pitched for the Seattle Mariners in addition to the New York Yankees.

In five seasons Laffey is 21-23 overall with a 4.34 ERA and 1.54 WHIP. He has appeared in 126 games at the major league level, starting 49 of them. He doesn't strikeout very many batters but did show promise in the Yankees bullpen in 2011, to the tune of a 3.38 ERA in 10.2 innings pitched.

In losing Chavez, the Royals give up a 28-year old right-hander who was 2-3 with a 6.95 ERA in 27 games for the Royals over the past year and a half.

There are a handful of highlights at MLB.com involving Laffey. Also make sure to check out Royals Review for other Royals related content.