The Kansas City Royals made a flurry of roster moves prior to Saturday’s game with Cleveland, trading left-handed reliever Jake Diekman to the Oakland A’s in exchange for outfielder Dairon Blanco and right-handed pitcher Ismael Aquino. Kansas City also recalled right-handed pitcher Kyle Zimmer and first baseman Ryan O’Hearn from Omaha (AAA) and designated first baseman Lucas Duda for assignment.
Diekman, signed as a free agent just prior to spring training, made 48 relief appearances for the Royals, going 0–6 with a 4.75 ERA. He has been particularly sharp in his last six outings, allowing just one run in 5.