KANSAS CITY -- Yordano Ventura, the Royals' Opening Day starter who signed a $23 million contract just before the season started, will now be pitching in the Minor Leagues after being demoted to Triple-A Omaha.
The Royals announced the stunning move on Tuesday, less than 24 hours after Ventura, who won Game 6 of the 2014 World Series with seven shutout innings, had yet another disappointing outing -- six runs and 10 hits in four innings against Pittsburgh.
Ventura is 4-7 with a 5.19 ERA.
The Royals had to make room on the roster for left-hander Jason Vargas, who was activated from the disabled list to start Tuesday night's matchup with the Pirates.