The Kansas City Royals acquired outfielder Johnny Gomes from the Atlanta Braves on Monday, according to Fox Sports.

Gomes and cash have been sent to Kansas City in exchange for infield prospect Luis Valenzuela. The outfielder was actually in the Braves' lineup on Monday but was pulled following the fifth inning after the trade was completed.

The 34-year-old has a .221/.325/.364 batting line on the season through 82 games but has been one of the better players in Atlanta following the All-Star break. Gomes has entered play Monday with a .271/.375/.458 batting line in the second half. He’ll be a solid player off the bench for the AL Central-leading Royals.

The Royals have a wide margin not only in the division but have a six-game lead for the best record in the AL. The defending AL champions will likely defend their title with the best record and homefield advantage throughout the postseason after making the World Series as the Wild Card a season ago.

Valenzuela owns a .364 BA this season in the minors. The 22-year-old could be in the cards for playing time in Atlanta next season.

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