Lucas May traded to Arizona for Andrea Pizziconi

Lucas May in action last month for Omaha
(Photo: Lee Warren)

The Kansas City Royals traded Lucas May today to the Arizona Diamondbacks for Andrea Pizziconi and assigned him to Idaho Falls.

May hit two home runs last night for the Storm Chasers -- one of which was a grand slam, but he really struggled this season, hitting just .176/.263/.329 with 3 HR and 13 RBIs in 25 games. He was relagated to backup duties with Omaha recently, with Manny Pina getting the majority of the starts. Pina hasn't faired much better, hitting .187/.321/.242 with 1 HR and 8 RBIs in 30 games.

Pizziconi is a 19-year-old RHP who was 2-1 with a 2.57 ERA and 1.224 WHIP in 17 games (6 starts).

Cody Clark was activated off the DL and placed on Omaha's roster.

Tejeda says velocity will come

Robinson Tejeda in action earlier this season
(Photo: Minda Haas / Royal Blues)

Last night at Werner Park Robinson Tejeda showed flashes of the pitcher we've seen in the past. His fastball peaked at 93 mph on the final pitch he threw, but he still has some work to do if he is going to get his velocity back to where it has been throughout his career.

Last season, according to FanGraphs.com, Tejeda averaged 93.7 mph on his fastball. His fastball was noticeably slower (88.8 mph average) to start this season. The Royals placed him on the DL on April 14 with shoulder inflammation. Last night was his first rehab appearance.

He threw 13 fastballs, at least ten of which were 90 mph or better, according to the stadium radar gun. He hit 90 mph three times; 91 mph four times; 92 mph twice; and 93 mph once. He also hit 88 mph once and 89 once (which turned out to be a single). I missed one of his fastballs, so I can’t give you the speed on that particular pitch.