The Royals optioned right-handed reliever Kevin McCarthy to Triple-A Omaha on Thursday. A corresponding roster move will be announced on Friday.
McCarthy posted a 2.14 ERA in 21 innings while with the Royals, but those solid numbers might have been built on a precarious foundation, considering he only struck out eight batters (9.2 percent strikeout rate).
Before his callup in late May, McCarthy had a 2.33 ERA and 15 strikeouts in 27 innings at Omaha.
The Royals also announced that outfielder Paulo Orlando and infielder Cheslor Cuthbert will have their rehab assignments prolonged due to injury setbacks.