Royals lose Christian Colon, Peter O’Brien to waivers

The Royals have lost infielder Christian Colón on waivers to the Miami Marlins and first baseman Peter O’Brien to the Cincinnati Reds on waivers, according to team releases. Both players were designated for assignment last week to make room for relievers Al Alburquerque and Seth Maness.

The 28-year old Colón is best known for his post-season heroics with the Royals. He had the game-tying hit in the 2014 Wild Card, and the game-winning hit in Game 5 of the 2015 World Series. The former fourth overall pick in 2010 never quite lived up to his draft position however, as he hit .263/.323/.329 in 348 Major League plate appearances.

The 26-year old O’Brien was acquired last winter from the Diamondbacks for minor league pitcher Sam Lewis. The slugger has always showed tremendous power in the minor leagues, smacking 50 home runs over the last two seasons combined, but has struggled to make contact, hitting just .176/.228/.446 with six home runs in 36 career Major League games. O’Brien was a sensation in spring training, smacking seven home runs for the Royals, but has struggled in AAA Omaha, hitting .162/.235/.276 with just one home run in 27 games for the Storm Chasers.

The Marlins designated infielder Steve Lombardozzi to make room for Colón. The Reds made room for O’Brien by transferring former Royals pitcher Brandon Finnegan to the 60-day disabled list. Finnegan suffered a strained left trapezius muscle last week, and was acquired by the Reds with Cody Reed and John Lamb for pitcher Johnny Cueto in 2015.