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The Kansas City Royals have added some depth to their bullpen, signing veteran left-hander Scott Downs, per Andy McCullough of The Kansas City Star. In a corresponding move, the Royals optioned right-hander Casey Coleman to Triple-A in order to clear room for Downs on the active roster.
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Downs was released by the Chicago White Sox late last week, having previously been designated for assignment. The 38-year-old had been disappointing after signing a one-year, $4 million deal with the White Sox over the offseason. In 23.2 innings, he posted a 6.08 ERA and 1.47 K/BB, though his 3.69 FIP and .329 BABIP estimated that he was underperforming by quite a bit. He made his Kansas City debut during Sunday's 4-1 loss to the Indians, striking out one in a perfect inning.
His addition gives the Royals three lefties in their bullpen, as Downs joins Bruce Chen and Francisley Bueno. The Royals' bullpen has been stellar once again this year, ranking seventh in the majors with a 3.33 FIP, and fifth with a 3.33 WAR.
The 27-year-old Coleman signed as a minor league free agent with the Royals in April, and has made three appearances at the big league level this season, allowing one run on four hits in 3.2 innings. The former Chicago Cubs' farmhand has a 1.93 ERA in 32.2 innings at Triple-A Omaha this season.