Royals claim RHP Bannister from Rangers

CLEVELAND(AP) -- The Kansas City Royals have acquired right-hander
John Bannister from the Texas Rangers on a waiver claim.

The Royals got the 25-year-old pitcher Tuesday. He will be
optioned to Double-A Northwest Arkansas on Wednesday and added
to their 40-man roster.

Bannister had been pitching at Double-A Frisco. He was
designated for assignment by the Rangers on Aug. 4 when Texas
purchased the contract of infielder Esteban German from Triple-A
Oklahoma City.

Bannister pitched at Oklahoma City and Frisco this season, going
3-3 overall with a 5.96 ERA in 38 relief appearances.