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Royals trade for Astros outfielder Justin Maxwell

Justin Maxwell brings a right-handed bat to the Royals outfield. (Robert Seale/Getty Images)

Justin Maxwell brings a right-handed bat to the Royals outfield. (Robert Seale/Getty Images)

The Kansas City Royals have acquired outfielder Justin Maxwell from the Houston Astros, the Royals announced Wednesday afternoon.

The trade, which sends minor league right-hander Kyle Smith to the Astros, was first reported by FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal via Twitter.

Maxwell's offensive numbers through 40 games this season have been limited by a broken hand and concussion. He's batting .241/.311/.387 with two home runs, eight RBI and four stolen bases. He had better power numbers last season when he hit 18 home runs in 124 games.

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Maxwell, 29, provides the Royals a right-handed option against left-handed pitchers in a collection of outfielders including Lorenzo Cain, Jarrod Dyson, Alex Gordon and David Lough. Dyson, Gordon and Lough all bat left-handed.

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