Danny

Christensen

Christensen was likely to be bumped from Kansas City’s 40-man roster this winter anyway. The 24-year-old was a major disappointment in Double-A, going 3-15 with a 6.21 ERA in 140 2/3 innings. Of course, it was only a matter of time before Colon was dropped from the Tigers’ 40-man roster as well, and there’s a good chance neither team ever benefits from this deal.

Christensen was removed from the 40-man roster immediately after being acquired from the Royals last week to complete the Roman Colon trade. He’ll likely be in the rotation at Double-A Erie.

This is the second time that the 26-year-old left-hander has tested positive for “a drug of abuse.” He has a 1-6 record and 4.16 ERA in 10 starts and 14 relief appearances for Double-A West Tennessee.

Christensen continued to establish himself as one of the Royals’ better pitching prospects by going 6-6 with a 4.89 ERA, 175 H and 153/58 K/BB in 162 innings at the hitters paradise knows as Single-A High Desert last season. He’s allowed two earned runs in seven innings this fall. A 23-year-old left-hander, he could possess the fastball-curveball combination to make it as a starting pitcher if his elbow problems are behind him.