Royals Reassign Alexander, Flynn To Triple-A Omaha

Royals beat writer Jeffrey Flanagan was a busy man this morning.

His morning began with this tweet, announcing the reassignment of left-hander Brian Flynn.

Shortly thereafter, he tweeted out the reassignment of four more players, including another left-hander in Scott Alexander.

These decisions aren’t shocking in and of themselves, with both guys being fringe 25-man players to begin with. However, it is a bit surprising that both were reassigned, each being left-handers.

I did write ups on both Flynn and Alexander, on the assumption that at least one making the roster, especially if the Royals were still wanting to look at Danny Duffy as a starting pitcher. 

However, with Duffy struggling out of the gate and still having not seen a start, this possibility is growing more and more unlikely.

Duffy moving to the bullpen full-time would also give the Royals the opportunity to look at guys like Chien-Ming Wang and Dillon Gee, the former being as intriguing as any individual player in camp up until this point.

There is also the Brian Duensing issue, who has an opt out that can be excercised on March 29, if he is not on the roster.  

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Wang’s opt-out isn’t until May 1, so the Royal do have some flexibility with their arms and, as of now, Flynn and Alexander’s options were part of that flexibility.

However, it’s hard to imagine a circumstance in which Flynn and Alexander don’t contribute at the Major League level this season.

Alexander has yet to give up a run this spring in eight innings, while striking out 10 in the process. His reassignment also comes just the morning after looking pretty effective. He struck out two in 0.2 IP in relief of Chris Young. 

According to Rustin Dodd of the Kansas City Star, Alexander was among the tougher cuts for Yost.

“Alexander was one of the guys that came in here, from last year to this year, with great improvement,” Yost said. “I mean, you can really see him getting better and better. That was a tough decision, too. But then again, when you’ve got limited numbers, it’s hard.”

Flynn, on the other hand, limped into his assignment, giving up eight runs in his seven innings of work. He’s still only 25, however, and did strike out five batters in that span.

Unfortunately for Flynn, he’s still remember most fondly for being the guy the Royals chose Ryan Madson over last spring. 

Yost expects Flynn to contribute as a big leaguer this year, but noted his need for innings as the main reason for his assignment.

“He needs to pitch,” Yost said, according to Dodd. “He pitched two-thirds of an inning last year. He’s coming back. He’s building strength in that shoulder, getting back to every-day pitching strength. But he’s going to help us this year.”

Next: Too Soon To Give Up On Duffy As Starter

Some other notable names to be cut or reassigned were Ross Ohlendorf, Dusty Coleman, and Orlando Calixte, who happened to have one of the worst at-bats you’ll ever see last night, striking out on three pitches in 8th. 

I have no video evidence, but you’ll just have to trust me on this one.