On Sunday morning, the Kansas City Royals bolstered their pitching depth by acquiring right-handed pitcher Colin Selby from the Pirates in exchange for minor league left-handed pitcher Connor Oliver. Additionally, left-handed pitcher Josh Taylor, dealing with a left arm/biceps nerve injury, was moved to the 60-day injured list.
Selby, 26, joins the Royals after being designated for assignment by the Pirates last Tuesday. He made his Major League debut with Pittsburgh last August, where he recorded a 9.00 ERA and 30 strikeouts over 24 innings in 21 appearances. Drafted by the Pirates in the 16th round of the 2018 MLB Draft out of Randolph-Macon College, Selby has amassed a 3.49 ERA in six minor league seasons. Known for his upper-90s sinker and effective slider, Selby adds depth to the Royals’ pitching staff.
In corresponding roster adjustments, the Royals transferred Taylor to the 60-day injured list due to ongoing recovery from a biceps nerve injury sustained during Spring Training. Taylor’s move opens a spot on the 40-man roster for Selby.
Meanwhile, second baseman Michael Massey, who missed the final week of Cactus League games due to lower back tightness, initiated a rehab assignment with Double-A Northwest Arkansas on April 6. Massey, 26, played two games during his rehab stint as the Royals monitor his progress. Manager Matt Quatraro emphasized the importance of cautiousness in Massey’s recovery, indicating that the duration of his rehab assignment will depend on his performance and physical condition. Massey, expected to vie for starts at second base, hit .229/.274/.381 with 15 home runs in 129 games last season.