KC's Maxwell returns from bereavement leave

KANSAS CITY -- Justin Maxwell has returned to the Royals from the bereavement list.

Maxwell went 1-for-4 in Tuesday night's loss to the White Sox, playing right field and batting sixth. To make room on the 25-man roster, pitcher Will Smith was optioned to Triple-A Omaha.

In 15 games since being acquired from the Astros, Maxwell has a .389 (14-for-36) average with three home runs and seven RBIs. He missed three games to attend the funeral of his grandmother in New Jersey.

Smith was on his sixth stint with the Royals this season. This time, he appeared in one game, pitching 2 2/3 innings against the Tigers and giving up one run (on Prince Fielder's homer) in Saturday's 6-5 loss.