KC Royals DFA Jason Frasor; Call Up Cheslor Cuthbert, Paulo Orlando

The KC Royals re-arranged their roster on Monday afternoon, designating reliever Jason Frasor for assignment and recalling third baseman Cheslor Cuthbert and outfielder Paulo Orlando from AAA Omaha.

Twenty-two year old rookie Cuthbert will make his first major league appearance Monday night against the Tampa Bay Rays in place of Mike Moustakas—who has been placed on bereavement leave.

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[Update: Monday’s Tampa Bay/Kansas City game has been postponed]

Meanwhile, reliever Jason Frasor was let loose because manager Ned Yost needed more outfield flexibility due to nagging injuries to Lorenzo Cain and Jarrod Dyson. Yost wanted another outfielder in Paulo Orlando and decided to part with Frasor because most of his relief corps lacked minor-league options.

Apparently, Yost believes the team needs lefty Brandon Finnegan in the pen—because he does have options remaining.

Jason Frasor could theoretically return to the Kansas City Royals this season if he clears waivers, and he accepts a AAA assignment; but I expect him to get claimed pretty quickly due to his excellent results (1.54 ERA) this season.

While I was initially surprised that KC Royals general manager Dayton Moore cut loose Frasor, I understood the move once I thought about it.

Frasor’s results (1.54 ERA in 23.1 inning pitched) were far better than his sabermetric peripherals. Strip away the KC Royals defense, and Fielding Independent Pitching suggests he’s been merely a pedestrian bullpen arm at a 4.03 FIP.

Add in Jason Frasor’s problems with his command (14.4% walk rate), and the move makes sense. The Kansas City Royals will also needed to make a move with their pitching staff in the near future anyway, since Kris Medlen is almost ready to return to big league action after Tommy John surgery.

Meanwhile, starters Yordano Ventura and Jason Vargas remain on the disabled list.

Cheslor Cuthbert is a stopgap for Mike Moustakas, but is an interesting prospect on his own terms. The young, right-handed hitting Nicaraguan has slashed .256/.318/.389 in 76 games at AAA Omaha this season, with 14 doubles and 8 home runs.

Cuthbert has played first base and third for the Stormchasers.

Meanwhile, Paulo Orlando will make his second appearance on the KC Royals roster this season. Earlier this spring, Orlando hit .241/.274/.384 in Kansas City, with 3 doubles, 5 triples, and 1 home run.

Paulo Orlando showed excellent speed on the basepaths with two stolen bases and his five triples, as well as good range in the outfield. He was hitting .287/.309/.395 at Omaha before his recall.

Let’s hope Orlando can give the KC Royals offense a boost by relieving struggling right fielder Alex Rios. If nothing else, seeing Paulo Orlando dash around the bases for another triple would be fun to see.

Next: A Look At The KC Royals Four 2015 All-Stars