The Royals have designated right-hander J.C. Gutierrez for assignment, according to Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star (via Twitter). The move allows the club to clear space for fellow righty Wade Davis, who is rejoining the club after paternity leave.
Gutierrez, who celebrates his 30th birthday today, posted a 3.38 ERA with 5.2 K/9 and 2.5 BB/9 in 25 relief appearances this season. For his big league career, Gutierrez has a 4.58 ERA with 7.7 K/9 and 3.5 BB/9 in parts of five campaigns for the Astros, Diamondbacks, and Royals. The right-hander boasts a mid-90s fastball and so far in 2013 he's been clocking in with a career high 95 mph average.
