Royals call up lefty from Omaha while Davis is on paternity leave
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Royals on Thursday called up left-hander Donnie Joseph, acquired last season as part of the Jonathan Broxton trade to Cincinnati, and placed right-handed starter Wade Davis on paternity leave.
Davis, who gave up all eight runs in Wednesday's 8-1 loss to the Yankees, was not in line for another start until after the All-Star break anyway.
But with his move to paternity leave, the Royals will be able to add another fresh arm to the bullpen -- a left-hander to complement left-hander Tim Collins.
This is Joseph's first stint with a major league team.
Joseph, 25, made 31 appearances out of the bullpen for Triple-A Omaha this season and posted a 3-3 record with a 3.55 ERA. He also had three saves.
Joseph has been sharp lately, not allowing a run in five straight appearances spanning 8 2/3 innings.
Joseph, 6 feet 3 and 190 pounds, has been especially tough on left-handers, who are hitting just .143 off him.
Davis and his wife, Katelyn, are expecting their first child. They live in Marlboro, N.Y., less than an hour's drive from New York City, where the Royals conclude their four-game set with the Yankees today. Marlboro also is the home of former Royal Dee Brown.
You can follow Jeffrey Flanagan on Twitter @jflanagankc or email him at jeffreyflanagan6@gmail.com.
