Brandon Finnegan promoted to Class AAA Omaha

The Royals promoted southpaw prospect Brandon Finnegan to Class AAA Omaha, leaving him one rung below the major leagues. Finnegan is expected to contribute to the big-league club throughout the season as a reliever.

Finnegan, the team’s first-round pick in 2014, had been pitching in relief for Class AA Northwest Arkansas. He handled the final two innings of a Naturals victory over the Arkansas Travelers on Tuesday.

Finnegan posted a 2.70 ERA in four appearances for the Royals in April and May. Manager Ned Yost views Finnegan as a potential long reliever, with the ability to handle two or three innings at a time. Finnegan is trying to stretch himself out to a 60-pitch limit.