Bubba

Starling

“It’s bittersweet because sports have been my forever,” Starling wrote on Facebook. “My every day. My everything my whole life. ... I can’t wait for this next chapter of my life!” The 29-year-old Starling was selected No. 5 overall by the Royals back in 2011, but he never lived up to expectations. He batted .204/.246/.298 with five home runs over 261 plate appearances in the majors. He played with Triple-A Omaha this past season.

The former first round pick was non-tendered last week, but he’ll return to the organization that made him the fifth overall pick in the 2011 draft. The 28-year-old has seen just 59 at-bats at the big league level, slashing a putrid .204/.246/.298 with five homers, 17 RBI and an 83/13 K/BB ratio.

Expectations were high ever since Starling was nabbed with the No. 5 overall pick back in 2011, but he just never progressed as hoped. He’ll surely have to settle for a minor league deal wherever he winds up.

Starling was removed from Tuesday’s game with the ailment. He finishes his season in a 0-for-23 rut at the plate.

The Royals entered the eighth inning trailing 1-0, but rallied against Indians’ right-hander James Karinchak. After a pair of walks to begin the inning, Maikel Franco tied the game with an RBI single. Starling then pinch-hit for Alex Gordon, lacing a single to center off of Adam Cimber to give the Royals the lead. For the season, he’s hitting .208/.259/.250 with no homers and four RBI in his first 24 at-bats.

He was on the IL as a precaution after having cold symptoms, but he tested negative for COVID-19 multiple times. Starling is 4-for-19 at the plate this season.

Starling was placed on the injured list last week for undisclosed reasons. According to a recent report from the Kansas City Star, the 28-year-old outfielder does not have COVID-19 and is currently working out at the Royals’ alternate training site. He was 4-for-19 (.211) with three RBI through nine games played this season.

No further details on the move were given. Franchy Cordero is in center field Wednesday with Starling out.

Manager Mike Matheny is awarding Starling’s strong camp with a start on Opening Day. It means that Whit Merrifield will shift over to right field and Franchy Cordero will be on the bench.

This news comes after Hunter Dozier was diagnosed with COVID-19. Starling and Phillips could help fill the vacancy in right field, though recent trade acquisition Franchy Cordero is probably the best option there.