Royals Acquire Reliever in Trade with Blue Jays

Seabold, 30, initially joined Toronto on a minor league deal in late January but was released before the start of the regular season. He landed with the Detroit Tigers shortly afterward and made 11 appearances for the club, posting a 3.45 ERA and 1.40 WHIP over 15.2 innings before being designated for assignment on May 24. Toronto then re-acquired him via trade three days later.

In five appearances with the Blue Jays, Seabold allowed three runs on six hits and two walks while recording just one strikeout over 3.1 innings. He was designated for assignment earlier this week to open an active roster spot for the returning Max Scherzer. The five-year veteran owns a combined 4.26 ERA this season and a 7.30 ERA over 138 career major league innings.

While Seabold’s 17.2% strikeout rate is subpar, some of his underlying numbers are encouraging. The right-hander’s hard-hit rate (34.4%), average exit velocity (86.7 mph), barrel rate (4.7%) and walk rate (8.0%) are all above average this season. His fastball velocity (93.5 mph) and groundball rate (42.9%) have also improved from previous years.

Kansas City’s pitching staff is banged up at the moment. The club is currently without starters Cole Ragans (elbow impingement), Kris Bubic (elbow soreness) and Seth Lugo (concussion). Veteran relievers James McArthur (elbow inflammation) and Nick Mears (shoulder impingement) also joined Estévez on the injured list last month, depleting the bullpen.

Estévez, 33, landed on the injured list with a foot contusion after being hit by a comebacker on March 28. While rehabbing that injury, he suffered a right rotator cuff strain, further delaying his return. It is unclear when the two-time All-Star will resume his rehab assignment, but because he has already been on the IL for more than 60 days, he can be reinstated at any time.

To get a much-needed fresh arm for their major league bullpen, the Royals were willing to subtract from their minor league depth. The 21-year-old Samudio has combined for a 4.12 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and a 10.1 K/9 rate over 19.2 innings in the lower levels this season. He was with Single-A Columbia before being traded to the Blue Jays’ system.