The Kansas City Royals have a few successful “scrap heap” acquisitions this year. Acquiring Rosell Herrera from the Cincinnati Reds off waivers and draft/trading for Brad Keller in the Rule-5 Draft have worked for the Royals. However, the same can’t be said about Burch Smith.
Since being acquired by the Royals, Smith has struggled as a starter and a bullpen arm. To start the year, Smith was in the bullpen and had a 5.40 ERA over 38.0 innings and 24 appearances. He struck out 39 batters but walked 21 as well.
Injuries to the rotation resulted in Smith getting a chance at being a starter.