Royals claim pitcher Enny Romero off waivers

The Royals have claimed left-handed pitcher Enny Romero off waivers from the Pirates and have transferred reliever Blaine Boyer to the 60-day disabled list. Boyer was placed on the disabled list back on May 30 with a back strain.

The 27-year old Romero began his career with the Rays organization, pitching parts of three seasons with them at the Major League level. He was traded to the Nationals in 2017, where he had his best season with a 3.56 ERA and 3.86 FIP with 65 strikeouts in 55 ²⁄₃ innings, all in relief. However he was designated for assignment a week into this season where he was picked by the Pirates off waivers. He made just two appearances with the Pirates before landing on the disabled list at the end of April with a shoulder injury that has kept him sidelined all season. He was immediately designated for assignment earlier this week once he was activated from the disabled list.

Romero throws in the high-90s, so this seems like a perfectly smart acquisition for the Royals to make at this point. They need any kind of bullpen help they can get, and Romero has enjoyed a little bit of success, and has the velocity and ability to miss bats to have a chance to be a valuable reliever.

If Romero is healthy enough to return to action right now, he could give the Royals some heat out of the bullpen. Ian Kennedy is expected to miss just one start, so Trevor Oaks seems likely to be sent down to make room for Romero for now, with another move to be made once Kennedy is officially activated. The Royals have made work of the waiver wire this year, earlier claiming outfielders Abraham Almonte and Rosell Herrera off waivers.