Kansas City Royals designate Justin Maxwell for assignment

According to a team press release, outfielder Justin Maxwell has been designated for assignment by the Kansas City Royals. The team has recalled right-hander Casey Coleman from Triple-A Omaha to replace him on the active roster.

Maxwell had initially been acquired by the Royals last summer in a deadline day trade with the Houston Astros. He was a useful piece of the Royals roster over the remainder of the season, batting .268/.351/.505 in 111 PA with five home runs (including a pivotal grand slam during the team’s final homestand that kept their playoff hopes alive just one day longer). Not productive enough to factor into the starting mix, Maxwell still figured to be a key piece for the team off the bench this season. Kansas City reached an agreement on a one year deal for $1.325 Million to avoid arbitration with Maxwell prior to the season. He’s responded by hitting just .138/.219/.172 in limited action, appearing in just 16 games.

While his production at the plate has been disappointing, Maxwell’s experience at all three outfield positions could potential intrigue another team looking to change up their bench – particularly given the two years of team control that will remain after this season. The Royals have a roster full of underperforming players on the offensive side and it was merely Maxwell’s turn to go.

Coleman has been pitching at Triple-A for the better part of the last four seasons, but does have some MLB experience under his belt with Chicago Cubs. He hasn’t faced MLB hitters since the 2012 season, however, and was released by the Cubs in mid-April. Signing with the Royals the next day, he’s thrown well at Omaha in his first 12.0 IP and has allowed just two earned runs on seven hits. He’ll likely just provide added depth to a heavily worked Royals bullpen for the time being, but Coleman should not be expected to fill a big role in Kansas City.