The Tigers announced Friday morning that they'd acquired 30-year-old right-handed pitcher Zach Miner from the Kansas City Royals for cash considerations.

Miner started 35 games for the Tigers in his four-year span with the club — including 16 in 2006 — but has not pitched in the big leagues since 2009, after having Tommy John surgery in 2010.

"His versatility was, I think, his biggest asset," said manager Jim Leyland. "He could go short, he could go long, he could start."

He spent most of the 2011 season pitching for KC's Double-A affiliate, Northwest Arkansas, but went 2-1 with a 1.59 ERA 12 games at Triple-A Omaha of the Pacific Coast League.

Miner will be assigned to Double-A Erie in the Tigers organization.  He was on a one-year minor league contract with the Royals.