Mets Acquire Royals OF Allensworth

The New York Mets, attempting to sort out an already crowded outfield, on Monday claimed outfielder Jermaine Allensworth off waivers from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for a player to be named.

The 26-year-old Allensworth will be joining his third team this season. He began the year with the Pittsburgh Pirates but was traded to Kansas City on June 27. He can play center field and provides speed and defense the Mets sorely lack.

Allensworth batted just .205 (15-for-73) with three RBI for the Royals. He was 7-for-7 in steals and scored 14 runs in 30 games. He had a much better time of it in the National League, where he hit .309 (72-for-233) with three home runs and 24 RBI in 69 games for Pittsburgh.

Allensworth joins Todd Hundley, Tony Phillips, Brian McRae, the injured Butch Huskey and utility player Lenny Harris in the New York outfield. His 15 steals would rank him second on the Mets.

The Royals have yet to announce who will replace Allensworth on the 25-man roster.

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