Royals add Hideo Nomo to MLB roster

According to the STAR:

MINNEAPOLIS | Veteran right-hander Hideo Nomo completed his long-shot odyssey to return to the big leagues Saturday morning when the Royals purchased his contract from short-season Idaho Falls.

The club made the move after determining Nomo, 39, was sufficiently recovered from a strained right groin that derailed his roster bid late in spring training.

The roster spot became available after the Royals optioned rookie catcher Matt Tupman to Class AAA Omaha. Tupman became expendable when Miguel Olivo returned from a four-game suspension stemming from an on-field fight last September while a member of the Florida Marlins.

Nomo arrived late Friday and was in uniform for Saturday’s game against the Minnesota Twins at the Metrodome. He will serve as a reliever for the first time his professional career.

The Royals switched Nomo to the bullpen in spring training after other pitchers emerged as better candidates for the rotation. They particularly liked his ability to get strikeouts: 17 in 15 spring innings.

“Has he shown he had major-league abilities?” manager Trey Hillman said. “Yes. He missed bats very effectively. He commanded the fastball. He mixed in a slider, and the split is still there.”

So what do you think of that ?