KANSAS CITY -- Always interested in possible shortstop backups for Alcides Escobar, the Royals on Wednesday acquired Ryan Jackson from the Dodgers for cash considerations.Jackson, 26, missed most of the 2014 season with an injured right wrist. He had been designated for assignment on Monday after being with the Dodgers just three weeks -- they claimed him on waivers Nov. 3 from the Padres. 
His injury limited Jackson to 11 Minor League games this season, but he had solid Triple-A seasons with the Cardinals' Memphis club in 2013 (.278 batting average, .352 on-base percentage) and 2012 (.272 batting average). Of his 576 Minor League games, 508 have been at shortstop.A fifth-round pick by St. Louis in the 2009 First-Year Player Draft, Jackson played in 20 games at the big league level in 2012-13 with two hits in 24 at-bats.A right-handed hitter, Jackson also has played third base, second base and left field.The Royals are exploring options to occasionally rest Escobar, who played all 162 regular-season and 15 postseason games this year. Christian Colon and Orlando Calixte are also experienced shortstops among infielders on the Royals' roster.
Dick Kaegel/MLB.com
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