Heath

Fillmyer

Fillmyer, who spent time with the Lancaster Barnstormers of the independent Atlantic League early last year, posted an uninspiring 6.18 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 79/37 K/BB ratio across 83 innings (21 appearances, 16 starts) at Triple-A Columbus in Cleveland’s minor-league system. He’ll serve as organizational pitching depth for the Padres this season.

Fillmyer, who was pitching for the independent Lancaster Barnstormers, will report to Triple-A Columbus. The 27-year-old righty, who last appeared in the major leagues with the Royals back in 2019, will serve as organizational relief depth.

Fillmyer didn’t pitch anywhere in 2020 but holds a career 5.07 ERA over 29 appearances (16 starts) during his career. He will give the D-backs a depth arm capable of starting or relieving.

Fillmyer got designated for assignment by Kansas City last week to clear a roster spot for outfielder Alex Gordon, who was re-signed to a one-year, $4 million contract. The 25-year-old right-hander drew no interest from other teams on waivers after surrendering 20 earned runs over 22 1/3 major league innings in 2019.

This move clears out a roster spot for outfielder Alex Gordon, who was re-signed to a one-year, $4 million contract on Wednesday morning. Fillmyer, 25, surrendered 20 earned runs over 22 1/3 innings of work last season at the major league level for an ERA of 8.06.

Fillmyer will give the Royals some bullpen length in the final weeks.

Fillmyer injured his right shoulder in late May while at Triple-A Omaha and hasn’t appeared in a game since. It sounds like he should be ready to rejoin Omaha before long.

A corresponding roster move will be announced on Tuesday. Fillmyer, 25, has struggled to a 9.00 ERA and 1.73 WHIP in 15 innings (three starts, one relief appearance) this season with Kansas City.

Fillmyer holds a 9.00 ERA over four appearances -- three starts -- with the Royals this season. He’ll give the bullpen some length after they’ve been taxed in recent days.

He gets the boot after being knocked around to the tune of a 9.00 ERA in 15 innings of work this year. The Royals recalled RHP Ben Lively in a corresponding move. The 24-year-old just doesn’t strike out enough batters to generate much fantasy value, especially on a losing team like the Royals.