The Kansas City Royals have sent Ben Lively to the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for cash considerations.
The Kansas City Royals are flailing through the 2019 season, as this year has already become lost. Understandably, as they continue their rebuild, they will look to sell off any players they can without damaging their future core.
On Saturday, they sent away one of those players. Ben Lively was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for the ever popular cash considerations. Lively will report to AAA, where he will serve as a depth option.
The Diamondbacks have acquired right-hander Ben Lively from the Royals for cash considerations and assigned him to Triple-A Reno, the club announced.
— Nick Piecoro (@nickpiecoro) June 22, 2019
Once an intriguing prospect, Lively has yet to establish himself in the majors. Despite flashing his potential, he has produced a 4.80 ERA and a 1.442 WHiP over his 120 major league innings, striking out 80 batters while issuing 29 walks.
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While Lively has displayed solid command, his stuff has been middling at best. Armed with a fastball that can reach the mid 90s in relief, a sinker, and a curve, Lively does not have the stuff to strike out major league hitters at a consistent rate. Over his time in the bigs, he has allowed 134 hits and a .287/.353/.493 batting line.
However, Lively has been solid in AAA. Over his four seasons spent at the upper level of the minors, he has produced a 3.12 ERA and a 1.085 WHiP over his 308.2 innings, striking out 260 batters while issuing 83 walks. Lively has also allowed just 252 hits, as his arsenal has been enough for AAA.
Chances are, he will serve as depth for the Diamondbacks moving forward. Unless injuries decimate their pitching staff, or Lively puts together an incredible run in the minors, he may not see much action for Arizona this season. But that can all change in an instant.
The Arizona Diamondbacks have added more pitching depth, acquiring Ben Lively from the Kansas City Royals. It is a minor move, but it is just the start of the selling to come in Kansas City.