Kansas City Royals: Jakob Junis off DL, Enny Romero DFA’d

The Kansas City Royals reactivated pitcher Jakob Junis from the DL on Saturday. To make room on the roster, someone had to go. Enny Romero, who was just claimed off of waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates on July 6, was designated for assignment.

Jakob Junis reactivated

Jakob Junis had been on the 10-day disabled list since July 8 with inflammation in his lower back. The righty started for the Kansas City Royals Saturday against the Minnesota Twins, shortly after being reactivated.

Before hitting the disabled list, Junis had pitched 101.2 innings. He tallied 92 strikeouts, 28 walks, and an ERA of 5.13 through his appearances before the injury.

He started Saturday, just after being reactivated from the disabled list. Junis pitched four innings, giving up four hits, one run, walking two batters, and striking out six.

Enny Romero waived

With Jakob Junis being reactivated, someone had to be the odd man out. Unfortunately for Enny Romero, he just so happened to be that guy.

He was not a member of the Kansas City Royals for long. The Royals picked him up off of waivers on July 8 when the Pittsburgh Pirates designated Romero for assignment.

Romero only appeared in four innings wearing a Kansas City Royals uniform. His ERA in his short time with KC was 20.25, and he tallied ten strikeouts and walked six batters. Yeah, not great. It’s a small sample size, for sure. But he is the player that made the most sense to go with Junis coming back.

Does having Junis back help?

It does, yes. The pitcher was drafted in the 29th round of the 2011 MLB Draft, and With Jakob Junis back, there is a more solidified starting rotation. He is also only 25 years old, and he is not eligible for arbitration until 2021.

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Though Junis struggled a bit in the month before he was sent to the disabled list, but the hope is that he can bounce back from it. Especially coming off of the DL stint.