Royals stick with Butera as Sal's backup, designate Kratz for assignment

Published Jun. 11, 2015 1:08 p.m. ET

Jase Bandelow

The Royals announced Thursday that catcher Erik Kratz has been designated for assignment, which means the club will stick with Drew Butera as its primary backup to All-Star Salvador Perez.

Kratz was placed on the disabled list May 6 with plantar fasciitis on his left foot -- which prompted a KC trade with the Angels for Butera -- and had been on a rehab assignment with Triple A Omaha. He played in just two games with Kansas City before going on the 15-day DL.

The really unfortunate part for Kratz is he's out of minor league options, meaning the Royals have 10 days to either trade, release or place him on waivers.

Kansas City now has 39 players on its 40-man major league roster.