The Kansas City Royals announced today that they have claimed right-handed pitcher Conner Greene off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals. In a corresponding move, the club has designated right-handed pitcher Burch Smith for assignment.
Greene, 23, split the 2018 season between Memphis (AAA) and Springfield (AA), going 4-5 with a 4.09 ERA (40 ER in 88.0 IP) in 40 appearances (10 starts). This included posting a 2.52 ERA (7 ER in 25.0 IP) and a .185 opponents' average (15-for-81) in his first 19 appearances after being promoted to Memphis on June 4. He also made nine relief appearances for Surprise in the Arizona Fall League, going 0-2 with a save and an 11.17 ERA (12 ER in 9.2 IP).
Smith, 28, was acquired by the Royals during the 2017 Rule 5 Draft and was 1-6 with a 6.92 ERA (60 ER in 78.0 IP) in 38 appearances (six starts) for Kansas City in 2018.
Following today's transactions, the Royals have 40 players on their Major League reserve list.