The pitcher has been on the restricted list for much of the year.
The Royals officially placed pitcher Jordan Lyles on release waivers Saturday, ending his stint with the team. The Royals signed Lyles to a two-year, $17 million deal before the 2023 season. He has been on the restricted list since April after pitching in just five games.
The Restricted List is usually reserved for players who have to step away for personal reasons, have encountered legal issues, or are planning to retire. There has been no indication for why Lyles was placed on the list. Players on the Restricted List are not paid their salary.
Anne Rogers sheds a bit more light on the transaction, explaining that this week was a deadline for Lyles to return.
Further context: Lyles had 30 days once he reported (to my knowledge, he hasn’t been in KC) to work his way back, then KC had to activate him. Today was day 30. Without options, he either had to be put on the roster or released. After release waivers, we should know more soon.
— Anne Rogers (@anne__rogers) July 20, 2024
Lyles led the league with 17 losses and 124 earned runs allowed last year, but also led the league with three complete games. In 177 2⁄3 innings, he posted a 6.28 ERA. The 33-year-old did not give up a run in five innings of relief this year before he went on the Restricted List.
