Royals deal Marks back to A's for cash

KANSAS CITY -- Left-hander Justin Marks made his Major League debut with Kansas City this season, but that will be it for him with the Royals.

Marks was dealt to the Oakland Athletics on Friday for cash. Oddly enough, he started his pro career with the A's after they drafted him in the third round of the 2009 First-Year Player Draft. Oakland traded Marks and pitcher Vin Mazzaro to the Royals on Nov. 10, 2010, for outfielder David DeJesus.

On April 20, Marks made his big league debut in an 8-3 loss to Minnesota at Kauffman Stadium. He pitched two innings and gave up three runs, four hits and three walks. His three-day stay in the Majors ended the next day, when he was optioned back to Triple-A Omaha.

With Omaha this season, Marks was 3-2 in 13 games (two starts), posting a 5.04 ERA. He was designated for assignment on Monday to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for pitcher Wilking Rodriguez.