Kansas City Royals Option Former Closer To Minors

For a short time during the early stages of the 2021 season, he served as the Kansas City Royals' closer, locking down five saves in less than a month and finishing the year with a 2.88 ERA. But things have regressed for Josh Staumont to a point where he's now been optioned out to the minors. 

#Royals roster news: Relievers Josh Taylor, Josh Staumont and Richard Lovelady were all optioned this morning.

— Anne Rogers (@anne__rogers) March 25, 2023

Staumont is joined by Josh Taylor and Richard Lovelady as relievers that did not make the Opening Day cut for the Royals.

The 29-year-old Staumont has spent four seasons in the Royals bullpen, posting an overall decent 3.82 ERA with 10.1 strikeouts per nine innings. 

But things unravelled for him in the second half of last season, when he spent numerous stints on the injured list, and posted a 13.50 ERA with a 2.50 WHIP in 10 innings. He finished the season with a 6.45 ERA and a 1.75 WHIP.  Right biceps tendinitis ended his season in late August.

This spring, he allowed just one run on four hits with a 10:5 K/BB ratio in eight innings pitched, but he'll start the season at Triple-A.

The Royals added Aroldis Chapman in free agency this offseason, adding to their 'pen.

Taylor and Lovelady haven't pitched in the big leagues since 2021. 

Photo: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports