Bruce Chen to DL, Royals recall Aaron Brooks

Bruce Chen has been placed on the 15-day disabled list for a back injury. Earlier this week, the team had attempted to alleviate some of the pain and inflammation in his spine by giving him an epidural, but after throwing a side session yesterday it became apparent that Chen was going to have to spend some time on the disabled list.

This may come as a blessing in disguise for the Royals, as Chen has suffered through his last three starts and currently sits with a 7.45 ERA in 19.1 IP. It is unclear as to whether the back issue has caused problems for Chen this season, but his performance has markedly declined since his season debut.

In his place, the Royals will recall right-handed pitcher Aaron Brooks, who will likely work out of the bullpen for the foreseeable future. Through fifteen innings (four appearance, three starts) for Triple-A Omaha this season, Brooks has a 4.80 ERA, 4.80 K/9, and 2.40 BB/9.

Chen's next scheduled start was tomorrow. In his place, the Royals will send left-handed pitcher Danny Duffy to the mound to start the game. Duffy has pitched exclusively out of the bullpen this season since being called up from Omaha. He has eleven strikeouts and just three walks in 8.1 innings with a 2.16 ERA.