Royals designate Jeffress, Hottovy, Bourgeois for assignment

The Royals have designated pitcher Jeremy Jeffress, pitcher Tommy Hottovy, and outfielder Jason Bourgeois for assignment. The moves create space for the newly acquired waiver claims, and pitcher's Danny Duffy and Felipe Paulino, who were reinstated off of the 60 day disabled list today as well.

Jeffress, a former first round pick by the Brewers, posted a 4.97 ERA in 58 Triple-A innings of work. Hottovy spent most of the 2012 season in the Triple-A bullpen, posting a 2.52 ERA with 11.0 K/9 in 50 innings of work. Bourgeois hit .258 in 66 plate appearances with the big league club in 2012.

Analysis: This is very surprising. I am certain that a team will put a claim on Jeffress, who came over to the Royals in the Zack Greinke deal a few years ago. He has high upside and a power arm. He may only be a setup man in the future, but there will definitely be quite a bit of interest in him. Hottovy also might get claimed, but is older than Jeffress so team's may pass on him. Bourgeois is a fourth outfielder who lives off of his speed, and may get claimed as well.