MONTREAL -- The Kansas City Royals -- owners of a major league-worst 5.29 ERA -- fired pitching coach Al Nipper on Tuesday.

Triple-A Omaha pitching coach John Cumberland will replace Nipper on manager Tony Pena's staff. He is expected to join the team on Wednesday.

The 43-year-old Nipper, who replaced Cumberland as Boston's pitching coach during the 1995 season, had been with the Royals for just over a year.

Hired by Kansas City last May 25, Nipper saw Royals pitchers maintain a 4.86 ERA under his direction through the end of the season.

Cumberland, 55, was in his first season as Omaha's pitching coach after spending the last seven seasons in the Red Sox's organization, including his second stint as the team's pitching coach at the end of last season.

Kansas City also purchased the contract of right-hander Shawn Sedlacek, who allowed two runs on two hits in 5 2/3 innings in his major league debut against Montreal on Tuesday night. He did not figure in the decision in the the Royals' 5-4 loss.

Left-hander Jeremy Affeldt was placed on the 15-day disabled list -- retroactive to June 9 -- because of a blister on his left middle finger.

The Royals recalled left-hander Chris George from a rehab assignment with Omaha, reinstated him from the disabled list, and optioned him back to the Triple-A team.