Royals option Matt Strahm, Terrance Gore to minors

The Royals have optioned left-handed pitcher Matt Strahm to AAA Omaha and outfielder Terrance Gore to AA Northwest Arkansas. The moves open two roster spots, but the team has not yet made a corresponding roster move. They are expected to call up two pitchers.

Strahm, who walked in the game-winning run on Sunday in Houston, has struggled in the first week of this season, giving up seven runs and six walks while recording just four outs so far. He posted a 1.23 ERA in 22 innings with the Royals last year. Strahm had said last week he needed to work on his mechanics.

"I just need to stay on top of the ball," Strahm said. "I see the problem, but I need to correct it."

Gore appeared in just one game for the Royals, coming in as a pinch-runner in Monday’s loss to Oakland.

The Royals have a number of candidates they could call up from AAA Omaha to fill out the bullpen. On the 40-man roster they have left-handers Scott Alexander and Eric Stout and right-hander Kevin McCarthy. Players not on the 40-man roster include right-handers Yender Caramo, Malcom Culver, Al Alburquerque, and Bobby Parnell. Right-hander Andrew Edwards was placed on the disabled-list today by Omaha. The 40-man roster is currently full, so adding one of those players would require another roster move.

Right-hander Kyle Zimmer, who is on the 40-man roster, could also be a possibility, as he was just promoted to AAA Omaha today. The Omaha Storm Chasers also added catcher Parker Morin and pitcher Eric Skoglund, and placed catcher Brayan Pena on the disabled list.