The Royals have designated right-hander Al Alburquerque for assignment, tweets Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com.
Alburquerque, whom the Royals signed to a minor league deal over the winter, debuted with the big club earlier this month and ended up tossing four innings before losing his 40-man spot. The 30-year-old gave up three earned runs on two hits and three walks during that short span, though he did strike out six.
Alburquerque was once a prominent reliever in Detroit, where he recorded a 3.20 ERA, 11.04 K/9, 5.0 BB/9 and a 47 percent ground-ball rate over 225 innings from 2011-15. But his velocity has dropped since his tenure with the Tigers came to an end, and he has combined for just six major league frames dating back to 2016, when he worked a pair of innings with the Angels.
I was kind of excited for him to be back in the majors but I guess he was just a place holder..
I’d have rather seen Young go and Alburquerque get a better look. At this point Junis is a better option at spot starter anyway.
Junis is on the i29 express, he’s here for an emergency arm on his side session day and will be back in Omaha for his next start just like the last time he came up.
Either way I’d rather see Alburquerque stick around in the bullpen a bit longer and say adios to Young. He’s not a starter as he can’t last longer than 4 innings and he’s a questionable in the bullpen due to the amount of home runs he gives up.
That’s the way it goes, lose your velocity, lose your job. Unless you can re-invent yourself, by mastering off speed pitches.
Nats should pick him up, throw him in the dumpster fire of a bullpen.
Just don’t tell Mike Francesa about Mr. Burquerque.
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