The Royals announced Thursday that they’ve designated catcher Meibrys Viloria and right-hander Scott Blewett for assignment. Their spots on the 40-man roster will go to outfielder Kyle Isbel and lefty Jake Brentz, whose contracts have been formally selected from Triple-A Omaha.
Viloria, 24, has spent parts of the past three seasons with the Royals but managed only a combined .215/.266/.287 batting line through 201 trips to the plate. He batted .264/.334/.332 in 248 Double-A plate appearances in 2019 but hasn’t played a game at the Triple-A level, in part due to last year’s canceled minor league season.
Viloria has never been expected to hit much, but he’s regarded as a sound defender with a rocket arm — a trait reflected in his career 34 percent caught-stealing rate. He still has a minor league option remaining, so he could intrigue another club in need of some depth behind the plate.
Blewett, also 24, pitched in just two games last year — his only MLB action to date. He served up a pair of runs in three innings and was tagged for another couple runs in 1 2/3 frames this spring, but he hasn’t gotten much of a look against MLB hitters to date. He’s worked primarily as a starter in the minors and had some modest success up through Class-A Advanced, but Blewett has been hit hard in both Double-A and Triple-A. Though he has solid command, he doesn’t miss bats or induce grounders at a particularly high rate. Like Viloria, he has a minor league option remaining.
The Royals will have a week to trade both players or attempt to pass them through outright waivers.
Ahh… Scott Blewett. The relief pitcher. Just take a minute and let that name wash over you, guys.
So we’re saying that he definitely shouldn’t be a closer…
Well, let’s not get ahead of ourselves now…
Probably not, but as Pangolin stated, you don’t have to be a closer to lose a lead and comedy to ensue.
Oh, man.
That is an unfortunate name for a reliever. But Grant Balfour overcame his title to have a very good career.
It’d be a little more fun if his first name was “Homer”.
I somehow never realized the irony of Grant Balfour’s name. Best pitcher name I can remember was Josh Outman. Just too good.
What about Tajuan Walker…If he was known for giving up a lot of walks…lol
I was hoping to see a little bit more of Blewett this year. He’s got good stuff and I think struggled in the happy fun ball AAA. Viloria is solid defensively and has a cannon for an arm. Wouldn’t be a bit surprised to see both of these guys picked up off waivers.
Scott had a chance to make the roster… but he Blewett
great to see Brentz get a chance. he deserves it
wait nevermind had him confused with Jake Kalish.
No lead is safe with Blewett on the mound
Viloria will get scooped up quick. I guess with Rivero taking big strides, Meibrys has somewhat fallen out of favor.
I have a feeling the Rays or Pirates will pounce…
Rivero and MJ Melendez.
Viloria might find a home somewhere, but I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see both guys come back on minor league deals.
They’re already on deals. They’re just DFA’d.
Sorry, I misspoke what I meant was I didn’t think anyone would claim Blewett and he could stay in the organization.
Or they might trade Viloria to the Red Sox as part of the Benintendi trade where they still owe two “players to be named later.”.