Royals DFA pitcher after disastrous start vs. Yankees

The Kansas City Royals are set to host the New York Yankees for the series finale. Both games were a total disaster for the Royals as the Yankees came in and stomped on the Royals en route to a 4-3 win on Monday and a 15-1 win on Tuesday. On Tuesday, Bailey Falter left too many pitches over the plate, and the Bronx Bombers took advantage of it.

Cody Bellinger, Ahmed Rosario twice, Anthony Volpe, Trent Grisham, and Jazz Chisholm Jr. all homered. Falter allowed seven runs off nine hits in 2.1 innings. The southpaw did not strike out a single batter and left the game likely very frustrated.

On Wednesday, the Royals announced that they have designated Falter for assignment after his start. Falter will go through waivers with a chance to be claimed. With experience at the major league level, there is a chance Falter is claimed. If not, he will head to the minor leagues. Right-handed pitcher Mason Black has been recalled to the Royals from Triple-A Omaha as the corresponding move.

Falter has had a terrible season overall. Maybe the minor leagues will be a good thing for him to reset. He owns a 13.97 ERA and a 3.10 WHIP, with only six strikeouts in 9.2 innings.

Black has pitched well out of the bullpen this season for Kansas City, but has gotten a little lucky with his team’s defense. In four appearances, Black owns a perfect 0.00 ERA, but also contains a 1.93 WHIP, .350 OBA, .809 OOPS, with seven hits allowed in 4.2 innings. Black has managed to not allow a single one of those hitters to score.

The Royals are hoping that Cole Ragans will return soon, but it may be a few more weeks.