Royals bring up RHP Duckworth, option LHP Newman

Aug 24, 2008 - 7:13 PM KANSAS CITY, Missouri (Ticker) -- The Kansas City Royals on Sunday purchased the contract of righthander Brandon Duckworth from Class AAA Omaha. He will start Sunday's series finale against the Detroit Tigers.

The 32-year-old appeared in 26 games - three starts - for the Royals last season, going 3-5 with a 4.63 ERA. Duckworth had pitched at Omaha since the start of the season, compiling a 5-11 record with a 4.75 ERA.

"It's a promotion, because it's a deserved promotion as far as how he's pitched recently," manager Trey Hillman told the team's website. "He's experienced at this level."

In a corresponding move, Kansas City optioned lefthander Josh Newman to Omaha. The 26-year-old posted an 8.62 ERA in 12 relief appearances this season.

To make room for Duckworth on the 40-man roster, righthander Luke Hochevar was transferred from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day DL.

The former top overall pick in the draft, Hochevar went on the disabled list on Wednesday with a rib cage contusion.

Hochevar, 24, was 6-12 with a 5.51 ERA in 22 starts this season.