Days after Royals manager Ned Yost conceded that he was having a difficult time finding playing time for Jorge Soler, the club optioned the 25-year-old outfielder to Class AAA Omaha on Saturday morning. The Royals recalled outfielder Billy Burns to fill his spot on the 25-man roster.
Soler, acquired in an offseason trade that sent Wade Davis to the Chicago Cubs, entered Saturday having started just onnce in the Royals’ last eight games. He was batting .164 with a .292 on-base percentage and one homer since making his Royals debut on May 6.
Soler, a former top prospect and a marquee addition this offseason, was expected to begin the season as the Royals’ starting right fielder before a strained oblique muscle during the final week of spring training delayed the start of his season.