The Royals are sending starting pitcher Brian Bannister down to AAA Omaha along with Luke Hochevar paving the way for veterans Sidney Ponson and Horacio Ramirez to fill out the starting rotation.
Due to the number of off days that are built into the schedule in April, Ramirez will be the fifth starter, but only make about three starts. The rest of the time he will be used as a long reliever. Ponson will be the fourth starter behind Gil Meche, Zach Greinke and Kyle Davies.
Bannister was 12-9 in 2007 and finished 3 rd in the AL rookie of the year voting. Last year, 9-16 with a 5.76 ERA and he’s struggled this spring as well.
The Royals traded first basemen Ross Gload to the Marlins for a player to be named later and cash. Listen to manager Trey Hillman as he talks about Gil Meche’s final spring training start, why closer Joakim Soria is struggling and his thoughts on Bannister heading to Omaha.
