Kansas City Royals Roster Move: Cahill to DL, McCarthy Promoted

Trevor Cahill’s struggles since joining the Kansas City Royals might have an explanation. The former San Diego Padre was placed on the 10-day disabled list. In a corresponding move, Kevin McCarthy was called up from Triple-A Omaha.

The Kansas City Royals placed Trevor Cahill on the 10-day disabled list with a right shoulder injury on Thursday—a day after he lasted just 2 1/3 innings against St. Louis.

Relief pitcher Kevin McCarthy was recalled to fill the empty roster spot.

Tabbed to be the Kansas City Royals’ fifth starter, Cahill has been disappointing since being added at the trade deadline along with Brandon Maurer and Ryan Buchter.

Cahill has pitched a total of 11 innings through three starts. During that time, he has allowed 10 runs on 18 hits with an ugly nine walks compared to just six strikeouts.

According to Ben Weinrib of MLB.com, this will be McCarthy’s third trip to the Major Leagues this season. Over the first two stints, the 25-year-old has a 2.14 ERA over 21 innings.

The plan would seem to be for Jake Junis to fill out the rotation.

Some would argue Junis should have taken over the No. 5 starter spot even without Cahill’s trip to the DL.

A former 29th-round selection, Junis has featured in 10 games, including seven starts, this season. Overall, he has a 4-2 record with a 4.20 ERA and 1.39 WHIP.

Junis shined in the second game of Sunday’s doubleheader at Kauffman Stadium. Facing a surging Seattle Mariners team, Junis gave up a single run on four hits over eight sterling frames. He struck out seven and walked none.

Next: Royals Have Reached Breaking Point

If Junis pitches the way he did against Seattle, this turn of events could be a blessing in disguise for the Kansas City Royals.