Royals demote Frank Schwindel

The Royals have demoted first baseman Frank Schwindel to Omaha and have recalled pitcher Jake Newberry. Schwindel was a surprise addition to the Opening Day roster and appeared in six of the Royals’ 11 games, but had just one hit in 15 at-bats, with two strikeouts. With two other first basemen on the roster in Ryan O’Hearn and Lucas Duda, it was hard to get Schwindel regular playing time, and he started just 4 of the first 11 games.

Jake Newberry is a 24-year old right-hander who appeared in 14 games with the Royals last year. He posted a 4.73 ERA in 13 ¹⁄₃ innings with 11 strikeouts and 9 walks, with three home runs allowed. The former 37th-round pick had a 1.63 ERA in 49 ²⁄₃ innings across AA and AAA last season and threw three scoreless innings for Omaha this year before his promotion.

The Royals used four relievers in last night’s game, and are in the midst of a stretch in which they will play 19 games in 19 days. The roster move today gives them 13 pitchers, and just three bench players.