Royals converting SS Pena to pitcher

Tony Pena Jr. has hit like a pitcher for the past two years, so the Kansas City Royals plan to convert him to one.

Pena, who was the Royals’ shortstop on opening day in 2007 and 2008, has hit .156 with 62 strikeouts and eight walks in 276 at-bats the last two years. He was designated for assignment July 16 with a .098 average and one extra-base hit.

After clearing waivers, the Royals outrighted him Friday to Triple-A Omaha, but instead of reporting there, Pena could be taking a detour to the Royals’ complex in Surprise, Ariz., to work off the mound.

“He’s all for it right now,” Royals manager Trey Hillman said Sunday. “At least to take a look at it and see where it goes.”

Pena worked a perfect ninth inning, including striking out Ivan Rodriguez, on July 21, 2008, in a blowout loss to Detroit. He threw a bullpen session Friday with Royals pitching coach Bob McClure.

Clearing the bases

Pedro Martinez’s first minor league rehab start in preparation for a comeback with the Philadelphia Phillies was cut short by rain. The 37-year-old right-hander worked 1 1/3 innings for the Class A Clearwater Threshers against the St. Lucie Mets. He hit a batter and allowed one hit. … The Cleveland Indians have acquired right-handed reliever Jess Todd from the St. Louis Cardinals to complete the trade that sent infielder Mark DeRosa to St. Louis. … Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner was put on the 15-day disabled list because of a broken left thumb, leaving New York without its fastest player. New York recalled reliever Jonathan Albaladejo from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.