Royals return Patrick Schuster’s contract to Arizona

The Royals returned left-handed pitcher Patrick Schuster’s contract to Arizona on Thursday, two days after he was claimed off waivers.

By returning Schuster, who was the first pick in the Rule 5 draft this offseason, the Royals have an open spot on their 40-man roster. The Royals could add outfielder Jason Donald to the roster. Donald, who is out of options, was in camp on a minor-league contract.

Schuster was claimed Tuesday in an attempt by the Royals to retain another outfielder who is out of options: Carlos Peguero.

By claiming Schuster, the Royals could designate Peguero for assignment, which put him into a 10-day holding period. He does not have to be placed on waivers until the time passes. In the interim, the team can attempt to flip him in a trade, should another club express legitimate interest or, perhaps, experience an outfield injury.

The season will have begun by the time Peguero lands on waivers. Across the game, most of the spots on 40-man rosters will be full. Thus the Royals stand a better chance of slipping Peguero through and assigning him to Class AAA Omaha.

This story was originally published March 27, 2014 at 7:28 PM with the headline "Royals return Patrick Schuster’s contract to Arizona ."