Ryan Bergert among five sent to minors

Right-handed pitcher Ryan Bergert was among five players assigned to the minors, along with pitchers Mason Black and Helcris Oliváres, and outfielders Kameron Misner and John Rave.

Bergert had a 3.66 ERA in 76.1 innings between the Padres and Royals, including a 4.43 ERA in eight starts after his trade to Kansas City. He had a 6.52 ERA in four spring training games with eight strikeouts and three walks in 9.2 innings, but five home runs allowed. The Royals are expected to begin the year with a rotation of Cole Ragans, Seth Lugo, Michael Wacha, Kris Bubic, and Noah Cameron, so Bergert was unlikely to crack the starting five unless there was an injury. The Royals have talked about possibly having a six-man rotation later in the year, and assigning Bergert to the minors can keep him stretched out to be ready to be a starter when needed.

Mason Black had a strong spring, tossing eight shutout innings with eight strikeouts. But the former Giants pitcher has an option year and will likely serve as depth in Omaha. The 26-year-old right-hander has a 6.47 ERA in 40.1 career MLB innings across two seasons. Helcris Oliváres had an impressive showing in camp as a hard-throwing lefty, but gave up five runs with three walks, while recording just one out in his last outing on Friday. Before that point he had allowed just one run in six innings. The 25-year-old is on his fourth organization and has never pitched in the big leagues.

Misner and Rave were both competing for reserve outfield roles, but will likely begin the year in Omaha. Misner was acquired over the winter from the Rays and hit .231/.333/.462 in 26 spring training at-bats. The former Mizzou Tigers outfielder is a lefty bat that can play center with good speed, but he struggles to make contact at times. Rave made his MLB debut last year with the Royals, and hit .196/.283/.307 with four home runs in 175 plate appearances.

The Royals now have 50 players on their spring training roster.