Humberto Quintero was a short-term solution for the Royals, acquired in a March 20 trade with the Astros for two minor-leaguers after starting catcher Salvador Perez had knee surgery.
Quintero did a creditable job, hitting .232 in 43 games, including 40 starts, and when Perez came off the disabled list Friday, the Royals opted to stick with three catchers for a while. That stretch ended Wednesday after five games.
The Royals designated Quintero for assignment before their 5-4 victory over the Rays, opting to keep Brayan Pena as the backup to Perez.
One key factor in choosing Pena over Quintero was control of contract. Quintero, who makes $1 million this season, is eligible to file for free agency after the season. Pena, who has an $875,000 salary, is not eligible for free agency until after the 2013 season.
"We have Brayan under control for next year, he wasn't going to be a free agent," manager Ned Yost said. "We like Brayan, he's improved as a catcher. He's an offensive guy who's getting better defensively, and he's under control for next year."
Perez, 22, went 1-for-4 Wednesday, and he's hitting .313 (5-for-16) in four games since returning.
LHP Everett Teaford, who was recalled Wednesday from Class AAA Omaha, made his second major league start of the season. In a no-decision, Teaford allowed two earned runs on four hits against Tampa Bay, walking three and striking out five. It was his fifth start in 30 career outings. The five strikeouts matched his career best, set Sept. 11, 2011, at Seattle.
DH Billy Butler, who homered in the eighth inning for the go-ahead run in the Royals' 5-4 victory over the Rays, logged his 27th multi-hit game. He has stroked 15 go-ahead RBI this season.
OF Jason Bourgeois was recalled from Class AAA Omaha, where he hit .205 with a .262 on-base percentage in 40 games. Bourgeois, who was on the Royals' Opening Day roster, hit .214 with one stolen base in three attempts before being sent down April 27. He was inserted into the starting lineup Wednesday in center and went 1-for-2 with a walk and scored a run in the Royals' 5-4 triumph over the Rays.
LHP Francisley Bueno was optioned to Class AAA Omaha. He was promoted Saturday and appeared in two games, allowing one run in two innings.
RHP Jonathan Broxton, who had not pitched in a week, earned his 19th save, protecting a 5-4 lead over the Rays. He walked one and struck out one in the ninth. He ranks second in the majors with 18 saves since April 26.
4 Double plays, a season high, turned by the Royals on Wednesday.
"It was really, really hot out there. It was over 100 degrees. Guys were starting to get dehydrated. It was not a good day to go extra innings." DH Billy Butler, who hit his 15th home run in the eighth inning to give the Royals a 5-4 win over the Rays in regulation.
