ROYALS, PADRES SWAP 6

The Kansas City Royals avoided a fire sale by playing their way back into contention. And now they’ve added pitchers for the stretch drive. The Royals pulled off a sixplayer trade with the San Diego Padres on Monday, acquiring relievers Brandon Maurer and Ryan Buchter and starter Trevor Cahill from the rebuilding National League West club. In exchange, the Padres received lefthanders Matt Strahm and Travis Wood and minor league infielder Esteury Ruiz.