Brooks returns for second tour with Royals

KANSAS CITY -- Right-hander Aaron Brooks was back on Friday for his second stay with the Royals this season, still awaiting his Major League debut.

Brooks was put on the roster when left-hander Bruce Chen was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a bulging disc. Previously, Brooks was called up from Triple-A Omaha on April 5 to add pitching depth and stayed five days without getting in a game.

In four games (three starts) for the Storm Chasers, Brooks was 0-1 with a 4.80 ERA.

"He's been starting so he's stretched out fine, and he's going to be here in case we need length," manager Ned Yost said.

Brooks, 24, from Cal State-San Bernardino, split last season between Class A Advanced Wilmington and Double-A Northwest Arkansas, and was a combined 9-10 with a 4.28 ERA in 26 starts. In 160 innings, he had 110 strikeouts against just 22 walks.