DETROIT (AP) — The Kansas City Royals have designated second baseman Elliot Johnson for assignment to make room for newly acquired infielder Emilio Bonifacio.

Toronto sent the 28-year-old Bonifacio to the Royals on Wednesday for cash or a player to be named. He was in the starting lineup Thursday night at third base.

Kansas City was in Detroit for a crucial five-game series against the AL Central-leading Tigers.

Johnson hit .179 in 79 games for the Royals this year.