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Smith optioned with Duffy's arrival to Royals

KANSAS CITY -- With lefty Danny Duffy promoted for Wednesday's series finale, the Royals optioned left-handed reliever Will Smith to Triple-A Omaha in a corresponding roster move.

Smith pitched three scoreless innings with five strikeouts in Tuesday's 7-0 loss to the Twins -- his only appearance in his most recent Major League stint.

"He was the obvious candidate before which is why we had him throw three," Yost said. "We don't have a lot of versatility in terms of roster flexibility in the 'pen, but Will did a great job yesterday and he is going to be back."

Right-hander Felipe Paulino is set to restart rehabilitation from last summer's Tommy John surgery after recovering from shoulder and back stiffness that ended his earlier rehab campaign. He will start for Omaha on Thursday. Duffy had his surgery on June 13, 2012, and Paulino followed suit on July 3.

Kathleen Gier is an associate reporter for MLB.com.
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