Royals Roster Move: Will Smith to Omaha, Louis Coleman Called Up

After giving up two homers in Sunday’s loss – including the first of Eric Sogard‘s season (in 223 plate appearances) – the Royals optioned Will Smith to Omaha and recalled Louis Coleman.

Smith also threw three innings, so, as the Royals head to New York to take on the Yankees, they may be lining up another reliever to have available with a fresh arm. Coleman hasn’t pitched in Omaha since July 5. With Bruce Chen soaking up innings after Luis Mendoza‘s early exit yesterday, it’s all hands on deck in case they need the help.

Smith pitched fine when he was up. The three runs allowed were the only ones Smith had given up since returning as a reliever and he didn’t walk a batter as a reliever.

May 30, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Louis Coleman (31) throws to a St. Louis Cardinals batter during the eighth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Coleman has been fantastic in Omaha, which isn’t surprising since he’s always been a very good major league reliever. He was named to the Pacific Coast League All-Star team for his efforts and has a 1.61 ERA in 44.2 innings for the Storm Chasers. Left-handed batters have a .355 OPS against him at that level. Not batting average, not even on base percentage. OPS.

Unreal. Those are video game numbers.

Coleman’s career splits at the big league level aren’t so drastic, but he’s still been very good, and I’m always confused why he hasn’t stuck at the big league level. He’d fit in any bullpen in the majors, yet the Royals always have trouble finding a spot for him while he has options. I can see that J.C. Gutierrez has pitched at a passable level, but he hasn’t been relied on in many important situations. The Royals crave “inventory” even if it means they willingly don’t have the most talent on the active roster.