Royals Claim Connor Thomas

The Royals claimed left-hander Connor Thomas off waivers and optioned him to Triple-A Omaha, per a team announcement. Kansas City had an open 40-man spot after designating Matt Strahm for assignment earlier today, so no corresponding move is necessary.

Thomas, 28, has pitched 11 2/3 major league innings and been shelled for 27 runs in that time. That hasn’t stopped the A’s and now Royals from picking him up on waivers in recent weeks. Both presumably have hoped to get a look at whether Thomas can carry over his strong minor league work this year (2.09 ERA, 22.3 K%, 8.1 BB%). The A’s and Braves have previously tried to slip Thomas through waivers unsuccessfully. Kansas City might now do the same, but their pitching staff is also banged up and could use the extra depth.

The Royals recently lost Stephen Kolek for the season. Cole Ragans had UCL surgery earlier this summer. Alec Marsh hasn’t pitched all season due to shoulder trouble, and young righty Luinder Avila hit the injured list just yesterday. Depth arms like Ryan Bergert and Ben Kudrna are on the minor league injured list.

At the moment, the Royals’ three set starters are Seth Lugo, Michael Wacha and Noah Cameron. They recently called up former Twins righty Randy Dobnak to soak up some innings. Long man Easton McGee gives them a multi-inning option in the ‘pen. Kansas City is going to need arms to get through the season though; Thomas can join depth options like Mitch Spence and Mason Black in helping the Royals navigate the rest of the season — or he could simply get a one-off look the next time the Royals need some length and then be designated for assignment once again. For now, he’ll bide his time in Omaha.