Amir Garrett returns from injured list to help bolster Kansas City Royals bullpen
The Kansas City Royals got one of their core bullpen pieces back in the fold with the return of left-hander Amir Garrett to the active roster on Sunday.
The Royals reinstated Garrett from the IL prior to their series finale against the Baltimore Orioles at Kauffman Stadium. Garrett had been on the COVID-related injured list since May 26. He joined Triple-A Omaha on a minor-league rehab assignment this past week and appeared in two games and pitched two scoreless innings.
To make room for Garrett’s return, the Royals optioned left-hander Angel Zerpa back to Double-A Northwest Arkansas. Zerpa came up Friday when the Royals sent relief pitcher Collin Snider to the minors. The Royals also transferred left-handed reliever Jake Brentz to the 60-day IL. Brentz has been on the IL with a left flexor strain since April 30.
Entering the season, the Royals viewed Scott Barlow, Josh Staumont, Jake Brentz and Garrett as four mainstays of their relief corps.
In 16 appearances (13 2/3 innings) this season, Garrett has a 4.61 ERA with a .093 opponent’s batting average, a 1.10 WHIP, 16 strikeouts and 11 walks.
Barlow has posted a 1.78 ERA with 23 strikeouts, nine walks, a 1.18 WHIP and a .226 opponent’s batting average in 22 appearances (25 1/3 innings). He has converted six of seven save chances.
Staumont has an ERA of 3.18 with 30 strikeouts, 11 walks, a 1.32 WHIP and a .226 opponent’s batting average in 24 appearances (22 2/3 innings). He has converted three of six saves chances.
Brentz struggled in eight appearances prior to going on the IL. He’d allowed 14 earned runs in 5 1/3 innings for a 23.63 ERA and a 3.94 WHIP.
