San Diego ? The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired outfielder Scott Podsednik from the Kansas City Royals for a pair of minor leaguers Wednesday night, trying to boost their chances in the NL West.

Minnesota second baseman Alexi Casilla, back, prepares to throw to first over Kansas City’s Scott Podsednik to complete a double play. After the Royals’ 6-4 loss on Wednesday in Kansas City, Mo., they traded Podsednik to the Los Angeles Dodgers for two minor leaguers.

The trade was announced before Los Angeles played at San Diego. The Dodgers began the day five games behind the division-leading Padres.

Podsednik hit .310 and stole 30 bases for the Royals this season. He had two hits for Kansas City in its 6-4 loss to Minnesota earlier in the day.

The 34-year-old Podsednik signed with the Royals as a free agent in January.

Kansas City got catcher Lucas May and right-handed pitcher Elisaul Pimentel from the Dodgers.

The 25-year-old May hit .296 with 11 home runs and 45 RBIs at Triple-A Albuquerque. He will be assigned to Triple-A Omaha.

The 22-year-old Pimentel was 9-3 with a 3.49 ERA at Class A Great Lakes in the Class A Midwest League. He will report to Class A Burlington.