Kansas City Royals: Right-hander Ben Lively claimed off waivers

The Kansas City Royals announced earlier today they have claimed right handed pitcher Ben Lively from the Philadelphia Phillies. In order to make room for him on the 40-man roster, the Royals designated Eric Stout for assignment as a corresponding move.

As the season winds down, the Kansas City Royals are looking forward to next season. The Royals won six in a row, which is an upside. But, with a dismal season coming to an end and knowing they have no chance of making the postseason, it serves as a good opportunity to gain momentum heading into the 2019 season.

Plus, the Kansas City Royals have been making changes to their roster late in the season. Another was made today when they claimed right-handed pitcher Ben Lively off of waivers from the Philadelphia Phillies.

What does Ben Lively have to offer?

Ben Lively was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in 2010, but he chose college at the University of Central Florida. He was then drafted in 2013 by the Cincinnati Reds in the fourth round.

Ben Lively has played 20 total games in the MLB in two years. In 2018, the righty spent time with the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs both as one of his options, as well as for rehab assignments. He was designated for assignment by the Philadelphia Phillies on September 3.

In the Major Leagues in his career, he has recorded a record of 4-7 overall, and he has tallied an ERA of 4.81. In Triple-A during the 2018 season, his ERA sat at 2.42 in a total of 11 starts.

Lively is a viable option to add to the starting rotation. With Danny Duffy out for the rest of the season, it is entirely possible he will get a few starts before the 2018 season is over. Going into the future, he poses the potential to earn a spot in the starting rotation to begin the 2019 season. Of course, the 26 year old will have to prove he is better than the other good young pitchers in the Kansas City Royals’ system.

Eric Stout designated for assignment

In order to make room on the 40 man roster, Eric Stout was designated for assignment. Stout did not fare well in his three games in the Majors this season. His ERA in the 2018 Majors, with an ERA of 23.14. In the Minors with the Omaha Storm Chasers, he recorded an ERA of 4.75 in 38 games, spanning 55 innings.

The 25 year old spent the past week on the disabled list, and he was a non-roster invitee to spring training just last season. The former 13th round draft pick still may end up on the Kansas City Royals next season, depending on if he is picked up by another team.