Kansas City Signs Moreno as Replacement for Wilson

The Kansas City Royals, who have lost center fielder Willie Wilson for an indefinite period, signed free agent outfielder Omar Moreno to a contract for the remainder of the season, General Manager John Schuerholz said Tuesday.

Wilson is hospitalized after suffering a severe reaction to a penicillin injection Saturday night in Texas. Kansas City said Wilson would be out for at least two weeks.

“Under the circumstances, we feel very fortunate that a player with Moreno’s physical abilities is available,” Schuerholz said. “His speed and defensive skills will go a long way in helping us offset the loss of Willie Wilson.”

Moreno, who has 470 career stolen bases, was released by the New York Yankees on Aug. 16. He was batting .197 with one home run, four runs batted in and one stolen base in limited duty.

Moreno began his major league career with the Pittsburgh Pirates and played on the 1979 World Series winner. He signed as a free agent with Houston in 1983 and was traded to the Yankees in August, 1983, for Jerry Mumphrey.