The Royals have sent Louis Coleman to Triple-A Omaha, the club announced Friday afternoon. Coleman cleared waivers and was removed from Kansas City's 40-man roster.
Coleman, who turns 29 on Saturday, was competing with Franklin Morales, Brian Flynn and Ryan Madson for the final bullpen positions on the Opening Day roster. Now, just three days before taking on the White Sox on Monday, the Royals have narrowed the race.
Coleman had a lackluster 2014 campaign, when he struggled in 31 games, owning a 5.56 ERA and 1.676 WHIP. But he entered spring training with an eye on bouncing back and becoming part of baseball's best bullpen. He pitched decently in nine Cactus League games, allowing five earned runs in 12 2/3 innings (3.55 ERA) while striking out 15 hitters.
The right-hander was out of options, meaning he had to be exposed to waivers (and other teams) before heading to the minors. But Kansas City took that chance and ended up keeping him in the organization.
His major league comeback, though, will have to wait. Instead, the bullpen battle has been trimmed.
Kansas City manager Ned Yost could opt to carry an eight-man bullpen instead of the customary seven relievers, which would obviously open an extra spot. Morales, a left-hander, seems to be a virtual lock to make the roster after a hot spring start.
Flynn and Madson, though, are more interesting cases. Left-hander Flynn came to Kansas City in the trade that sent Aaron Crow to Miami and has worked mostly as a starter in his career. But the 6-foot-7 24-year-old carries a mid-90s fastball and swing-and-miss complementary stuff. In 11 Cactus League games, Flynn had a 2.57 ERA and struck out 13 in 14 innings.
Madson, meanwhile, hasn't pitched in the major leagues since 2011 because of complications stemming from Tommy John surgery. He appeared in nine spring training games and performed well enough (3.00 ERA) to stick around in camp until the final few days. Madson has an opt-out in his contract that he could use to field offers from others teams if he does not make the Royals.
If Yost and the Royals decide to go with an eight-man bullpen, both could make the 25-man roster. Final cuts are expected Sunday.
You can follow Matthew DeFranks on Twitter at @MDeFranks or email him at matthew.defranks@gmail.com.
