The Kansas City Royals may be forced to make a roster move Tuesday if they want to retain right-hander Dillon Gee, who signed a minor league deal in December.
MLB.com’s Jeffrey Flanagan reports Gee, the New York Mets' Opening Day starter in 2014, can exercise an opt-out if he is not placed on the 40-man roster by the end of the day.
Gee has played himself into contention for a roster spot with strong bullpen sessions and a 1.80 ERA in two Cactus League outings. The 29-year-old is being considered for a bullpen role where he also could provide rotation depth.
Gee’s best season was 2013, when he posted a 3.62 ERA in 199 innings. He eventually became an odd man out in a Mets’ rotation that was brimming with young talent.
Flanagan suggests the Royals could make room for Gee by placing Mike Minor on the 60-day disabled list. Minor missed the 2015 season with a torn labrum and is unlikely to be available until June.