Updated

The Kansas City Royals on Monday acquired starter Jonathan Sanchez, along with pitching prospect Ryan Verdugo, from the San Francisco Giants in exchange for outfielder Melky Cabrera.

Sanchez, 28, threw a no-hitter two years ago but struggled to a 4-7 record with a 4.26 earned run average in 19 starts this past season.

In 2010, the native of Puerto Rico went 13-9 with a 3.07 ERA in 34 games (33 starts) as San Francisco won the World Series.

In 174 games -- 118 starts, all with the Giants -- Sanchez has racked up a 38-46 mark and 4.26 ERA over six major league seasons.

Verdugo, 24, went 8-6 with a 4.35 ERA in 25 starts for Double-A Richmond this year.

Cabrera hit .305 with 18 home runs, 44 doubles and 87 RBI -- all career highs -- over 155 games during his only season in Kansas City.

Over 871 games in seven pro seasons, the native of the Dominican Republic is a .275 hitter with 58 homers, 161 doubles and 357 RBI for the Yankees, Braves and Royals.