Major League Baseball

Former Royals starter Hochevar headed to bullpen

Published Mar. 13, 2013 7:49 p.m. ET

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The Kansas City Royals are sending former No. 1 overall draft pick Luke Hochevar to the bullpen after more than five seasons of shaky results in the starting rotation.

Manager Ned Yost announced the decision Wednesday. Hochevar had been competing with Bruce Chen, Will Smith and Luis Mendoza for the fifth spot in the Royals' revamped rotation his spring.

Hochevar, who is scheduled to make $4.56 million this season, is 38-59 with a 5.39 ERA. He'll operate as a long reliever and could work back into the rotation, though it's possible the Royals will seek to trade him or offer his release.

The Royals also placed right-hander Guillermo Moscoso on waivers Wednesday. He was claimed in November and was 0-1 with a 9.00 ERA in three spring training appearance.