Pitcher Homer Bailey was scheduled to starting Sunday afternoon's game against the Detroit Tigers for the Kansas City Royals, but about 45 minutes before gametime, he was a healthy scratch. That is because the veteran was traded from the Royals to the Oakland Athletics on Sunday afternoon, in exchange for minor league infielder Kevin Merrell. Bailey's role will be to help an Athletics' rotation that has been hampered by injuries. Although, they still sit just six games back in the AL West, nine games over .500 entering Sunday's game against the Chicago White Sox. They had taken the first two games of that series at home this weekend, but are without hurlers Sean Manaea and Jharel Cotton due to injuries.
The 33-year-old was in his first season with the Royals, after beginning his career with the Cincinnati Reds. After a forgettable final year with Cincinnati, he has somewhat bounced back, as he earned a roster spot in Spring Training after signing just a minor league contract with them in February.
So far this season, he holds a record of 7-6 with a 4.80 ERA, and was one of the known names that the Royals had available as we near the Trade Deadline. Only Whit Merrifield and Aldaberto Mondesi are the unavailable ones, according to Royals general manager Dayton Moore. Bailey is only making $555,000 this season, this after dealing with injuries from 2015 to 2017. He finished his career with the Reds last season with a dismal record of 1-14 with a 6.09 ERA. He has found a hot streak as of late, going 3-1 with a 3.35 ERA and 37 strikeouts over his past eight starts. He can quickly find himself back in the Postseason, if all goes well, as the A's currently hold the final Wild Card spot over the Cleveland Indians.
The 33-year-old was in his first season with the Royals, after beginning his career with the Cincinnati Reds. After a forgettable final year with Cincinnati, he has somewhat bounced back, as he earned a roster spot in Spring Training after signing just a minor league contract with them in February.
So far this season, he holds a record of 7-6 with a 4.80 ERA, and was one of the known names that the Royals had available as we near the Trade Deadline. Only Whit Merrifield and Aldaberto Mondesi are the unavailable ones, according to Royals general manager Dayton Moore. Bailey is only making $555,000 this season, this after dealing with injuries from 2015 to 2017. He finished his career with the Reds last season with a dismal record of 1-14 with a 6.09 ERA. He has found a hot streak as of late, going 3-1 with a 3.35 ERA and 37 strikeouts over his past eight starts. He can quickly find himself back in the Postseason, if all goes well, as the A's currently hold the final Wild Card spot over the Cleveland Indians.
