Red Sox lose Cabral to Kansas City in Rule 5 Draft (Updated: Cabral traded to Yankees)

Cesar Cabral (Dave Letizi)

With the 5th overall pick of the 2011 Rule 5 Draft, the Kansas City Royals selected Red Sox left-hander Cesar Cabral. 

Cabral, 22, was selected in last year's Rule 5 Draft by the Tampa Bay Rays, compiling a 5.59 ERA in 9.2 innings during Spring Training. He was ultimately returned to Boston at the end of the Spring and began the 2011 season with High-A Salem. In just 12 relief appearances with Salem, Cabral posted a 1.62 ERA with 8 saves and 24 strikeouts in 16.2 innings pitched. He was promoted to Double-A Portland midway through May,  posting a 2-4 record with a 3.52 ERA and 46 strikeouts in 38.1 innings. 

Following up his stellar 2011 season, Cabral has dazzled this winter with Aguilas in the Dominican Winter League. Through December 6, Cabral has compiled a 0.87 ERA with 2 saves and 12 strikeouts in 10.1 innings of relief. 

In order for Cabral to stick with the Royals, he must now remain on the 25-man roster for the entire 2012 season or be on the active major league roster for 90 days before any disabled list trips. If he fulfills the second requirement, he would have to be active for an additional 23 games in the 2013 season in order to have his Rule 5 status lifted.

As with any Rule 5 draftee, Cabral can be traded, waived, or offered back to the Red Sox at any time. Since Cabral was selected in last year's Rule 5 draft, he does not have to be offered back to the Red Sox if he clears waivers, he can elect for free agency.

UPDATE: Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star reports that the Royals immediately traded Cabral to the New York Yankees for cash.

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