KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -The Kansas City Royals released struggling right-hander Scott Elarton on Wednesday, one day after bringing him off the disabled list for a disastrous start against the New York Yankees.
Elarton, the Royals’ opening day starter in 2006, has never regained his form since shoulder surgery sidelined him for the final 71 games of last season and the first 36 games this year.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that Scotty will hook up with somebody, and we’ll probably see him in the big leagues at some point this season,” manager Buddy Bell said. “I think Scotty felt like he was spinning his wheels here. We gave him an option that he could have gone to Omaha, but I think it’s probably best that he hooks on with somebody else and starts over.”
Elarton, in the second year of a two-year, $8 million contract with the Royals, came off the DL on Tuesday after sitting out 26 games with a sprained right foot.
Against the Yankees, he lasted only 1 2-3 innings, giving up seven runs and six hits. His ERA rose from 9.17 to 10.46, and his record dropped to 2-4.
“It’s about results here,” Elarton said after that game. “I’ve definitely recovered, but I’m not back to where I want to be.”
The Royals made no immediate move to fill Elarton’s roster spot, but Bell said the team expected to call up a relief pitcher.
Elarton had been expected to start Sunday against Texas. Bell said right-hander Leo Nunez likely would be recalled from Triple-A Omaha to make the start.
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