Royals acquire Justin Maxwell from Astros

The Kansas City Royals have acquired outfielder Justin Maxwell from the Houston Astros in exchange for minor league right-hander Kyle Smith, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com and Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star.

Maxwell, 29, has hit .241 with 2 HR and 8 RBI in 40 games for Houston on the season. He is a career .253 hitter with 10 HR against left-handed pitchers, and is expected to serve as part of a right field platoon with David Lough for the Royals. The former National is under team control through the 2016 season, and is a low-cost depth addition for the Royals.

Smith, 20, was Kansas City's fourth round pick in the 2011 draft and was ranked as the team's eleventh best prospect by MLB.com. In 19 starts with High-A Wilmington on the season, Smith is 5-4 with a 2.85 ERA, 8.3 K/9, and 2.5 BB/9. The Florida native throws his fastball in the 92-93 mph range, and has above average command for a 20-year old.

The Astros were expected to be active sellers at the deadline, but did well to acquire someone of Smith's caliber for a player like Maxwell. Houston has dealt three veterans for prospects this month, swapping Mazwell, Jose Veras and Bud Norris for young pieces like Smith, L.J. Hoes, Danry Vasquez and Josh Hader.