The Royals designated Adams for assignment because they needed room on the 40-man roster after signing Alex Gordon. The 26-year-old Adams enjoyed a brief call-up to the KC Royals in 2014, getting only three plate appearances in six games. Adams figured to be a September call-up candidate in 2015, but struggled at AAA slashing only .226/.305/.679 after a strong showing at AA NW Arkansas at .298/.360/.466.
The speedy Adams, who has 164 stolen bases in his minor-league career, got caught in a numbers game. The Kansas City Royals have 10 other outfielders on their 40-man roster, including prospects Bubba Starling, Brett Eibner, Jose Martinez, Terrance Gore, and Jorge Bonifacio.