Royals get Sanchez from Giants for Cabrera

Kansas City, MO – 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.