KANSAS CITY -- To make room for rookie right-hander Luke Farrell to make his Major League debut Saturday against the Twins, the Royals cleared space on the 40-man roster by designating right-handed reliever Michael Maness for assignment.
Maness was signed in the offseason after he had primary repair surgery last August to fix a damaged UCL in his right elbow. He was the first pitcher to have this surgery, which is an alternative to Tommy John surgery. The procedure basically tapes the damaged ligament together again instead of replacing it.
The recovery time for primary repair surgery is far less than the 12-14 months associated with Tommy John surgery.
Maness, 28, appeared in eight games for the Royals earlier this season, posting a 1-0 record with a 3.72 ERA. Maness has been pitching for Triple-A Omaha, where he had a 9.77 ERA in 10 games.