KANSAS CITY -- Infielder Jeff Keppinger was traded Wednesday to the Cincinnati Reds. In return, the Royals received Minor League pitcher Russ Haltiwanger.

Keppinger was designated for assignment by the Royals on Jan. 2.

Haltiwanger, 22, is a right-hander who pitched in Class A last season. He appeared in 40 games for Dayton in the Midwest League and was 0-4 with a 4.15 ERA. Finishing the season with Sarasota, he made one start in the Florida State League.

Drafted in the 29th round in 2005, Haltiwanger, in two seasons in the Reds' organization, had a 2-8 record, three saves and a 3.53 ERA in 57 games (11 starts).

Haltiwanger, from Hillcrest High School in Greenville, S.C., attended Newberry (S.C.) College.

Keppinger hit .267 in 22 games for the Royals after being called up from Triple-A Omaha on Aug. 25. He was obtained by the Royals from the New York Mets on July 19 for second baseman Ruben Gotay.