Royals reinstate Wade Davis from 10-day IL, designate Anthony Swarzak

The Royals have reinstated veteran reliever Wade Davis from the 10-day injured list, the team announced. In a corresponding move, right-hander Anthony Swarzak has been designated for assignment.

A right forearm strain sent Davis to the IL on June 30, continuing what has been another tough season for the 35-year-old. After a pair of dismal, injury-plagued seasons with the Rockies, Davis signed a minor-league deal with the Royals, looking to revive his career with the team of his 2014-16 glory days.

However, Davis has struggled to an 8.06 ERA over 25 2/3 innings out of the K.C. bullpen, surrendering an ungainly seven home runs over that limited sample size. With the Royals falling out of contention and more likely to want to look at younger pitchers down the stretch, it remains to be seen whether or not Davis will continue on the roster, although the organization could very well give some extra leeway to such a respected pitcher in the franchise’s history.

Swarzak also caught on with the Royals on a minors deal back in May, after the Diamondbacks released the righty from an earlier minor-league contract in April. After not pitching during the 2020 season, Swarzak has had a rocky return to the mound, with a 9.49 ERA over 12 1/3 combined innings with Arizona and Kansas City.