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The Royals have returned pitcher Sam McWilliams to the Rays, bringing the number of players remaining in camp to 35. The Royals had acquired the 23-year old-hander in the Rule 5 draft last December, but opted to return him rather than carry him on their 25-man roster. McWilliams was trying to make the jump from AA ball, where he had a 5.02 ERA with 94 strikeouts in 100 1⁄3 innings with Montgomery in the Southern League last year. He struggled in camp with the Royals, allowing ten runs in 4 2⁄3 innings with six walks and two strikeouts.
The Royals still have their other Rule 5 draft acquisitions, Chris Ellis, still in camp. Ellis has struggled as well, giving up 11 runs in 10 innings, although with 10 strikeouts to just three walks.
The Royals' other Rule 5 pick Chris Ellis is still in camp and still in the running for a final bullpen spot. After a rough start, Ellis has been better lately -- four of his last five outings have been scoreless.
— Jeffrey Flanagan (@FlannyMLB) March 24, 2019