Royals designate Bailey Falter for assignment after frustrating Tuesday start
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- The Kansas City Royals designated left-hander Bailey Falter for assignment.
- Falter allowed seven earned runs and three homers in the Royals' 15-1 loss.
- The Royals have seven days to trade, waive or release Falter following the DFA decision.
The Kansas City Royals have designated left-handed pitcher Bailey Falter for assignment prior to Wednesday’s series finale against the New York Yankees.
Falter, 29, allowed seven earned runs in Tuesday’s 15-1 loss at Kauffman Stadium. He surrendered three homers and missed around the plate.
The Royals hoped for better results. Falter was acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates at last year’s trade deadline but didn’t fare well in Kansas City. He posted a 12.46 ERA in nine games with the Royals.
After Tuesday’s game, Falter owned up to his struggles. He never felt comfortable in his role after the Royals moved him to the bullpen. Injuries and inconsistent play also led to his departure.
“I’m extremely frustrated,” Falter said postgame. “Yeah, I mean, my job is to take the ball whenever my name is called. So not really having a role right now, it’s tough for the whole mental prep, the game prep. Just trying to figure out a happy medium right now.”
Falter noted that he had a terrible bullpen session prior to Tuesday’s start. He only pitched 2 ⅓ innings to begin the club’s bullpen game. And he allowed nine hits while facing just 16 batters.
“I’ve been in the bullpen the last few days, so been trying to do my bullpen routine,” Falter said. “Just trying to stay ready in case I do get in a game. And then, just another late-minute start. So that kind of threw a whole wrench in the plan.”
The Royals recalled right-hander Mason Black from Triple-A Omaha. The club now has seven days to make a decision on Falter. They can work out a trade, place him on waivers or outright release him.
If Falter is placed on waivers, he can be claimed by another team. Should he clear waivers, he has the right to refuse a minor-league assignment and elect for free agency — due to him having five or more years of MLB service time.
Falter has also played for the Philadelphia Phillies and Pirates. He made his MLB debut in 2021.
