Royals Designate Emilio Bonifacio for Assignment

The Royals have designated infielder Emilio Bonifacio for assignment, to make room on the 40 man roster for Bruce Chen. The 28 year-old infielder was under consideration for the starting second baseman job at one point, leading the Royals to tender the arbitration-eligible Bonifacio a contract. But he did not seem to have a place on the roster once the Royals signed second baseman Omar Infante and acquired third baseman Danny Valencia.

Bonifacio hit .243/.295/.331 in 461 plate appearances between Toronto and Kansas City, although he hit much better after being acquired by the Royals on August 4, hitting .285/.352/.348 with 16 steals in just 42 games.

The Royals now have ten days to trade, place on waivers, or release Bonifacio. Bonifacio recently agreed on a one-year $3.5 million deal. If the Royals release him, they will be obligated to pay just 1/6 of that salary.