Left-hander Austin Cox opted out of a minor league contract with the Royals, as first reported by MLBTR’s Tim Dierkes (X hyperlink). He returns to free company after Okay.C. determined to not choose him onto the 40-man roster.
Cox was a fifth-round decide by the Royals out of Mercer in 2018. He had spent all however someday of his skilled profession within the group. The 27-year-old southpaw reached the majors final season and pitched in 24 video games. He turned in a 4.54 ERA throughout 35 2/3 innings, putting out 22.1% of opponents towards an elevated 11.4% stroll proportion. His debut season got here to an unlucky finish in September. Cox tore the ACL in his left knee as he tried to cowl first base on a ground-ball. He underwent surgical procedure not lengthy thereafter.
That maybe contributed to the Royals’ choice to take Cox off the 40-man roster. Okay.C. non-tendered him on November 17. That briefly despatched him to free company, although he returned to the group on a minor league deal the next day. Cox wasn’t in a position to take part in Spring Coaching as he completed his damage rehab, however he made it again to the mound with Triple-A Omaha a pair weeks into the season.
Cox made 19 appearances with the Storm Chasers, working principally in lengthy aid. He labored to a 3.90 ERA with a good 23.3% strikeout price. But he additionally walked virtually 14% of opponents, a difficulty he’s battled all through his profession. Cox is probably going one other minor league deal on a staff in search of multi-inning aid depth.
