"We just want to let [Strahm] get down there [to Triple-A Omaha] in a less-pressured environment, and get him back to who he is," manager Ned Yost said.
Strahm, the club's No. 1 prospect per MLBPipeline.com, was sensational as a rookie in 2016, posting a 1.23 ERA in 21 games. But in three outings this season, Strahm gave up seven earned runs in 1 1/3 innings for a 47.25 ERA.
While Strahm looked marginally better in the Royals' 5-4 loss to Houston on Sunday -- one earned run on one hit and three walks in two-thirds of an inning -- Yost said the decision to send down Strahm was based on urgency.