Kansas City, Mo. ? The Royals have traded right-hander Joe Blanton to the Pittsburgh Pirates for cash considerations.

Blanton, 34, was designated for assignment Tuesday, when Johnny Cueto reported to the Kansas City following his trade from Cincinnati. Blanton was 2-2 with a 3.89 ERA in four starts and 11 relief appearances this season.

A former first-round draft pick, Blanton is 87-91 in 11 major-league seasons.