Yabuta, 35, has struggled through much of this season, his first in the big leagues after a 12-year career in Japan. He is 1-3 with a 5.46 ERA in 26 games with 17 walks in 31 1/3 innings.
“The utilization for him will be to pitch late, the seventh, eighth inning, give him the opportunity to pitch and get more reps and hopefully he will get back to throwing strikes,” Royals manager Trey Hillman said.
The Royals shelled out a guaranteed $6 million last November to sign Yabuta to a two-year deal that includes a club option for 2010. Yabuta’s ineffectiveness led to irregular work, which seemed to further affect his performance. He went five days between appearances on five occasions. Club officials were particularly disappointed at his lack of strike-zone command: He walked just 10 hitters last season in 62 2/3 innings.
The Royals obtained Tejeda on Tuesday through a waiver claim from Texas. He was in uniform for Wednesday’s game.
More on Tejeda
Tejeda arrived Wednesday afternoon at Kauffman Stadium from Boston. After getting waived by Texas, Tejeda traveled to Boston to spend some time with his family.
But Tejeda is glad the Royals picked him up so he can get back to work.
“I’m coming here trying to do my best,” Tejeda said. “I hear the team is doing well, winning a lot of games right now.”
Tejeda said he believes the Royals will use him in long relief for now.
“We will use him as needed,” Hillman said. “He hasn’t pitched in a while.”
Early warning
Crew chief Jerry Crawford issued a warning to both teams before Wednesday’s game in the wake of the previous night’s events, when Royals reliever Ramon Ramirez threw two pitches behind Colorado catcher Yorvit Torrealba in the ninth inning.
If home-plate umpire Angel Campos rules a pitcher is purposely throwing at a hitter, that pitcher and his manager will be automatically ejected. David DeJesus was hit by a pitch in the first inning Wednesday, but Campos ruled it an accident, and no one was ejected.
Umpire update
Umpire Brian O’Nora, who had to leave Tuesday’s game after getting hit in the head with a broken bat, was replaced by minor-league umpire Mike Muchlinski for Wednesday night’s game. He worked at first base.
O’Nora suffered a mild concussion and stayed overnight at St. Luke’s Hospital. He was released Wednesday and returned home.
Charity event
On the Royals’ off day, Royals Charities will take over Kauffman Stadium tonight for Diamond of Dreams, a charity event that will benefit the Dream Factory.
The event begins at 6:30 p.m. and costs $250 per person. Among the Royals participating are general manager Dayton Moore, manager Trey Hillman and many of the players.
“It’s always nice to be able to use the situation you are in to help somebody else,” said outfielder Mark Teahen. “I think, for the most part, everybody on this team understands that we are fortunate to be in the big leagues and our status can help raise some money for kids in need.”
The event will include a Kansas City-inspired food and drink menu, a silent auction and entertainment from a local musical group, The Zeros.
Guests are encouraged to come dressed in creative Royals attire. Tickets may be purchased by calling 816-504-4149 or online at www.royals.com.
Etc.
•The Omaha Royals finished their 16-game road trip by winning their last six games. Omaha was 10-6 during the trip.
•Second baseman Mark Grudzielanek missed his fourth straight game Wednesday because of soreness in his lower back.
•Teahen played his first game this year at designated hitter Wednesday evening.
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