Jim

Serrano

Serrano was 1-2 with a 2.39 ERA in 27 games for Triple-A Norfolk. There’s a good chance he’ll see some time in the Kansas City bullpen after the break.

He will start in one of Saturday’s doubleheader games against the Mariners. Serrano made only 63 pitches in three innings Tuesday against Anaheim. Is this the best the Royals can do?

Serrano, who had a 4.68 ERA in five starts and five relief appearances for the Royals, apparently will be back to compete for a bullpen job next year.

More help for Triple-A Sacramento. After a successful stint in Double-A, Serrano, 24, had a 4.68 ERA in five starts and five relief appearances for the Royals last season. Fahner, 27, had a 3.39 ERA in 58 relief appearances for the Cubs’ Double-A club.

Serrano had been with the A’s, but a clause in his contract allowed him to become a free agent if he wasn’t in the majors by July 1. ''He’s only about 5-foot-8, but he has a very good arm,’' general manager Dan O’Brien said.

Either Serrano or Ginter could do a fair Jeremi Gonzalez impression if needed. Serrano, who spent time with the Royals in 2004, went 12-7 with a 3.84 ERA, 154 H and 159/70 K/BB in 161 2/3 IP for two Triple-A clubs last season.

Serrano, who was in camp on a minor league deal, flunked his physical with an undisclosed injury. He was expected to pitch at Triple-A Albuquerque.

Serrano, acquired from the Mets last July, was making his third start for Wichita after being demoted from Triple-A Omaha, where he was working as a reliever. He’s nothing more than a lesser relief prospect.

Serrano will start tonight against the Angels.

Seems about right. Serrano needs to be in the pen if he’s going to be in the majors at all.