Royals add Braves OF Jonny Gomes before postseason roster freeze

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Royals have added one last piece for their playoff run, acquiring Braves outfielder Jonny Gomes, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.

Fox Sports first reported the Royals’ acquisition of Gomes, who was hitting .223 for Atlanta, but with an .878 on-base plus slugging percentage against southpaws. CBS Sports reported the trade was for Royals minor-league infielder Luis Valenzuela, who has played for Class-A Lexington in 2015.

Gomes left Monday night’s game in Atlanta against Miami after the fifth inning, hugged his teammates in the dugout and began packing up his belongings in the clubhouse.

A message left for general manager Dayton Moore on Monday evening was not immediately returned. In general, the Royals do not confirm acquisitions until they have been finalized.

Gomes provides depth on the Royals’ bench, and profiles as a masher of left-handed pitchers. The team has used right-handed hitter Paulo Orlando against lefties this season, but has found he actually has had better success against right-handers.

Monday was the deadline for players to appear on rosters and be eligible for the postseason.

This story was originally published August 31, 2015 at 8:31 PM with the headline "Royals add Braves OF Jonny Gomes before postseason roster freeze."