The Kansas City Royals announced today that the club has selected right-handed pitcher Sam McWilliams with the second overall pick in the Major League phase of the Rule 5 Draft from the Tampa Bay Rays. Additionally, the club acquired right-handed pitcher Chris Ellis from the Texas Rangers, who selected him with the seventh overall pick, in exchange for cash considerations.
McWilliams, 23, spent time at three different minor league affiliates in the Rays’ organization last season, and went 7–9 with a 4.38 ERA (67 ER in 137.2 IP) and 133 strikeouts (8.7 K/9). He spent the majority of the year with Double-A Montgomery, where he made 19 appearances (15 starts).