Royals Acquire Two Prospects for Jake Diekman
The Kansas City Royals acquired two prospects from the Oakland Athletics in exchange for pitcher Jake Diekman. The newest Royals are outfielder Dairon Blanco and pitcher Ismael Aquino. In a corresponding move, pitcher Kyle Zimmer has been recalled from Triple-A Omaha. The Royals are in sell mode, and the expectations are that they will make more trades.
We have traded LHP Jake Diekman to the Athletics for OF Dairon Blanco and RHP Ismael Aquino. #Royals
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) July 27, 2019
Dairon Blanco
Dairon Blanco was born in Camaguey, Cuba and is a speedy outfielder that bats from the right side. The Athletics signed Blanco in April of 2008. He is 26 years old and was playing with the Double-A Midland Rockhounds as part of the Athletics organization.
Blanco was batting .276 with seven home runs, 44 RBI, and twelve triples in 301 at-bats. Speed is his game, and Blanco has swiped 27 bases out of 34 attempts. In 2018, he was voted as one of the top stars in the California League All-Star Game.
Before joining the Athletics, Blanco played for the Cuban National team. Blanco batted .304 with seven HR and 79 RBI. He also stole 52 bases and was caught 13 times. Blanco is also a two-time minor league All-Star.
The Royals have assigned Blanco to the Northwest Arkansas Naturals.
Ismael Aquino
Ismael Aquino is a right-handed pitcher who was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. On December 12th, 2016 the Athletics signed Aquino as a free agent. The twenty-year-old was playing in the Arizona League with the Athletics Green team. His record was 1-1 with a 4.58 ERA. Primarily used as a relief pitcher Aquino had 20 strikeouts in 17 and two-thirds innings pitched.
Aquino had his best success pitching in the Dominican Summer League, going 2-1 with a 3.13 ERA appearing in 13 games and starting ten of them. In three seasons with the Athletics minor leagues, Aquino has a 5-4 record with a 4.03 ERA.
The Royals have sent Aquino to the AZL Royals.
Welcome to the #Royals organization, Ismael and Dairon! pic.twitter.com/UxYkYY2v7W
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) July 27, 2019
Main Photo
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