Royals DFA speedy outfielder Hamilton
The Kansas City Royals designated outfielder Billy Hamilton for assignment, the team announced Friday.
In a corresponding move, outfielder Brett Phillips was recalled from Triple-A.
The Royals signed Hamilton this past offseason, giving him a one-year, $5.25-million contract that included a club option for 2020. During his lone season with Kansas City, he hit .211/.275/.269 with 18 stolen bases in 93 games.
Hamilton, 28, swiped 50-plus bases in four consecutive seasons from 2014-17 with the Cincinnati Reds.
Phillips, 25, was acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers in 2018 as part of the exchange for third baseman Mike Moustakas. He's spent all of 2019 in Triple-A, where he's hit .240/.378/.505 with 18 home runs and 22 stolen bases. Phillips will make his season debut with the Royals on Friday night, batting fifth against the New York Mets.
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