The Royals have outrighted pitcher Brandon Maurer, infielder Ramon Torres, and outfielder Paulo Orlando to Triple-A Omaha, opening up their spots on the 40-man roster. Maurer rejected his assignment, making him a free agent. The club also activated infielder Cheslor Cuthbert, outfielder Paulo Orlando, and pitcher Jesse Hahn from the 60-day disabled list, leaving 37 players on the 40-man roster.

Maurer was acquired in July of 2017 from the Padres in a six-player deal, but was an abject disaster in a Royals uniform. In 51 1⁄ 3 innings with the Royals, he had a 7.89 ERA, the worst in club history by a pitcher with at least 50 innings pitched.

Worst ERA, franchise history (min. 50 innings)

Brandon Maurer 7.89

Jonathan Sanchez 7.76

Miguel Batista 7.74

Sidney Ponson 7.36

Yasuhiko Yabuta 7.14 — Royals Review (@royalsreview) November 2, 2018

Paulo Orlando surprised many by holding his own in 2015 and by getting off to a scorching start in 2016, finishing that season hitting over .300. But he slumped badly in the second half, and has been plagued with injuries and inconsistency over the last two seasons. The 33 year-old has hit .263/.289/.384 in 278 Major League games.

Torres was not called up in September, which should have been a sign he was going to be a 40-man roster casualty. The switch-hitter will turn 26 in January and has hit just .225/.269/.265 in 108 Major League plate appearances.

The Royals will likely want to use some of those roster spots to protect players from the 40-man roster such as Josh Staumont, Scott Blewett, Foster Griffin, and Arnaldo Hernandez. Jesse Hahn, who recently had surgery and may not be ready for the start of the season, coudl be another roster casualty, as could former first-round pick Bubba Starling.