Royals acquire right-hander Nick Tepesch, a former Blue Springs and Mizzou standout

Seeking a possible reinforcement for a thinning starting rotation, the Royals on Monday claimed right-hander Nick Tepesch off outright waivers from the Oakland Athletics.

Tepesch, a graduate of Blue Springs High School and a former Mizzou standout, has spent time in three organizations this season. His only major-league appearance came in a spot start for the Los Angeles Dodgers on June 24 at Pittsburgh. He allowed five earned runs in four innings.

Tepesch was assigned to Class AAA Omaha. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Royals placed right-hander Kris Medlen on the 60-day disabled list. The move is procedural. Medlen, who recently strained his shoulder during a rehab assignment, has already spent 60 days on the disabled list and will be eligible to return when he is fully healthy.

Tepesch, 27, has logged time at the Class AAA level for the Dodgers, A’s and Texas Rangers this season. He is 8-3 with a 3.96 ERA in 17 minor-league starts.

Scouts view the 6-foot-4, 240-pound Tepesch as a control and feel pitcher who lacks a quality out pitch. He was originally selected in the 14th round by the Texas Rangers in the 2010 draft. He debuted with the Rangers in 2013 and has a 4.68 ERA in 42 appearances (39 starts) in his career.

This story was originally published July 18, 2016 at 2:21 PM with the headline "Royals acquire right-hander Nick Tepesch, a former Blue Springs and Mizzou standout."