It’s been a tough year for the Royals’ bullpen, thanks to the loss of their injured closer and other problems. Kansas City added some depth on July 21, as Aaron Bummer was signed to a Minor League deal.

Bummer signs with Royals

The Royals signed reliever Aaron Bummer to a Minor League deal.

Bummer was originally released by the Braves earlier this year. The left-hander was signed by the Cubs in late June but released on the 16th after four outings with Triple-A Iowa.

He was assigned to Triple-A Omaha.

Lawrence cut by Nationals

Reliever Justin Lawrence was designated for assignment by the Nationals.

This is the third time that Lawrence was designated for assignment by a Major League team. The right-hander was previously cut by both the Pirates and Twins this season. While his numbers were better in Washington, Lawrence walked seven over 6.1 IP.

Recalls & options

Tristan Beck (Giants), Jack Anderson (Twins), Bryan De La Cruz (Phillies), Eddy Yean (Nationals), Kohl Drake (Diamondbacks), Max Muncy (Athletics), Ty Madden (Tigers), Zack Kelly (Red Sox), Daniel Duarte (Mets), Hayden Juenger (Athletics), Edgar Quero (White Sox), and Gerardo Carrillo (Diamondbacks) were recalled from Triple-A.

Landon Knack (Dodgers), Xzavion Curry (Mets), Juan Burgos (Diamondbacks), and Woo-Suk Go (Twins) were optioned to the Minors.

Other notes

The Mariners sent infielder Miles Mastrobuoni from Triple-A Seattle.

Anthony Misiewicz (Reds), Greg Jones (Cubs), and Cade Marlowe (Angels) were signed to Minor League deals.

The Braves released infielder Kyle Farmer.

Los Angeles (NL) selected Charlie Barnes from Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Marco Gonzales and Austin Wynns were both selected by the Rangers from Triple-A Round Rock.

Check out more of our MLB coverage.