:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55750619/usa_today_10143451.0.jpg)
The Royals have demoted outfielder Jorge Soler back to AAA Omaha and have recalled outfielder Billy Burns. Soler was recalled back on June 28, but was jut 5-for-36 (.139) with 15 strikeouts since returning. Overall, the 25-year old is hitting .154/.245/.275 with 34 strikeouts in 102 plate appearances with the Royals in 2017.
The switch-hitting Burns was hitting .259/.363/.304 with 14 steals in 22 attempts for AAA Omaha. He played 24 games with the Royals in 2016, although he only got 40 plate appearances, hitting .243/.275/.243. He was up earlier this year, but batted just twice.
The writing was on the wall for Soler when Brandon Moss started against left-hander Cole Hamels Saturday. Soler destroyed Pacific Coast League pitching this year when he was with Omaha before, hitting .324/.453/.667 with 11 home runs in 31 games, but he has struggled to adjust to Major League pitching this year. Soler hit .238/.333/.436 with 12 home runs in 86 games with the Cubs last year before being traded last winter for Wade Davis.
The Royals also activated reliever Neftali Feliz from paternity leave and optioned pitcher Miguel Almonte to Omaha.