Greg

Swindell

Swindell had a 6.53 ERA in three starts and five relief appearances for Tucson.

Swindell, competing for a spot as a lefty reliever, is day-to-day.

Although he’s been out for over a week, Swindell remains in contention for a spot in the Kansas City bullpen.

Swindell said the injury only hampers him when he slides one leg away from the other. “Unfortunately, that’s a problem for a pitcher,” he said. “But I’ve got to get back soon. Time isn’t working in my favor.”

Swindell was designated for assignment on Saturday.

If so, Swindell would be assigned to Triple-A Tucson.

Swindell was assigned to Triple-A Tucson. He’ll compete with Eddie Oropesa to be the first left-handed reliever called up by the Diamondbacks.

Swindell battled shoulder problems last season and lost velocity when he was healthy enough to pitch. The Diamondbacks will keep him as their second lefty in the pen this season, but if he struggles, he could be released in May and replaced with either Ron Villone or Eddie Oropesa.

Allowing one run in seven innings couldn’t land Swindell a job in Kansas City, but if the Royals allow him to become a free agent, he might quickly turn up in another club’s pen. With Wilson also gone, the Royals seem to have finalized their bullpen. Dennys Reyes, Nate Field and Shawn Camp will make the team initially, with one to be cut when Mike MacDougal returns on or around April 10. Another could go when Kevin Appier returns, but it’s possible that the Royals could expand from 11 to 12 pitchers in late April. Carrasco and Reyes will be the favorites to fill in for Appier on April 12, the first time the Royals need a fifth starter.

Swindell had been out with a sore groin. He’s allowed one run in six innings, giving him a real chance of landing a spot in the Kansas City bullpen.