Ryan Verdugo, Adam Moore Remain but Derrick Robinson’s Royal Days are Done

Ten days ago, the Royals designated seven players for assignment to make room for players who had to be protected from the Rule 5 draft next week. Vin Mazzaro and Clint Robinson ended up traded to Pittsburgh. Brayan Pena and Chris Volstad became free agents.

Derrick Robinson, pre-game. Photo courtesy of Minda Haas

The last three – pitcher Ryan Verdugo, catcher Adam Moore and outfielder Derrick Robinson – were still unresolved situations at the start of the day. All three cleared waivers. Verdugo and Moore were sent to Omaha on outright assignments and will not be on the 40 man roster. Robinson was not offered a contract and is now a free agent.

Verdugo came over as an extra part of the Melky Cabrera/Jonathan Sanchez trade and after pitching well in Omaha, he was called up to the majors in June but didn’t make an appearance. When the Royals needed another bat for interleague games, he was sent back to Omaha for the now-departed Clint Robinson. He finally made his major league debut on July 17, getting the start against the Mariners. He threw 55 pitches, recorded five outs and gave up six runs on eight hits and two walks. So, not the best way to introduce oneself to the big leagues. He finished the year in Omaha after his one and only game, but in 136.2 innings at Triple A, he had a 3.75 ERA. Being left-handed probably earned him the extra look and if he can limit walks and homers, he could be useful as a middle reliever if it becomes necessary.

The Royals claimed Adam Moore off waivers over the All-Star break last year and called him up in September. He homered in his first at bat as a Royal. He only got one more hit in his next 11 at bats before the season ended. He’s an option to back up Salvador Perez if Brett Hayes can’t manage it and not much else.

Derrick Robinson was one of the fastest players in the Royals organization and despite some promising developments at the end of 2009 and in 2010, he never had the bat to compel the Royals to give him a longer look. He doesn’t have much power and has been inconsistent in regards to getting on base. Speed is his only weapon. Many suggest that his defense is still raw and that he doesn’t seem to be on the road to improving it and the Royals, with Jarrod Dyson filling their speed-only role, just didn’t have the spot for him anymore.