Royals already calling in bullpen reinforcements
Kansas City Royals manager Ned Yost was succinct on why right-hander Louis Coleman was recalled Sunday from Class AAA Omaha.
"We need pitching. That's just it," Yost said. "The way we've gone the last couple of days, our starters going short and using up the bullpen has put us short down there, so we brought up Louis Coleman for added protection down there."
Coleman, a 2009 fifth-round pick out of LSU, appeared in 48 games as a rookie in 2011, going 1-4 with a 2.87 ERA and holding opposing batters to a .207 average.
In three relief appearances with Omaha, Coleman had a 1.69 ERA and a save. He had not pitched since April 10, which was important, as Yost wanted a fresh and rested arm.
"We were just looking for an available arm," Yost said. "He's up to 50 pitches, so he gives us some depth."
Coleman was quickly put into action, throwing a career-high 57 pitches in three innings Sunday in a 13-7 loss to the Indians. Coleman gave up home runs on back-to-back pitches to Casey Kotchman and Jason Kipnis in the eighth.
The Royals' relievers had worked 9 1/3 innings in games Friday and Saturday after starters LHP Jonathan Sanchez and RHP Luke Hochevar were knocked out early.
"They're stretched a little thin," Yost said of his relief corps.
