Former Padres Flameout Released By Struggling AL Squad

An old friend got the boot from KC.

The Kansas City Royals announced Monday several roster moves, including that Matt Beaty, who has played for the Dodgers, Padres and Giants in his career, was to be designated for assignment.

Beaty began the 2023 season with the Giants, but only played in four games. In just five at-bats, he struck out twice and recorded just one hit — which did, to his credit, score a run.

His offensive production picked up in Kansas City, where he appeared in 26 games and averaged .232 at the plate, only hitting 3 RBIs and failing to record a home run.

Beaty spent just one season in San Diego, in which he played easily the worst season of his career. The Padres sent River Ryan to the Dodgers for Beaty in the offseason prior to the 2022 season. After being placed on the 60-day injured list in mid-June, Beaty was finally activated in mid-August. He was subsequently sent to Triple-A before being designated for assignment in September.

Beaty hit just .093 with the Padres. He hasn't averaged below .200 in any of his other four seasons in the majors.

Beaty could either be traded or could test the waters of free agency following his release. The 2022 trade has turned into a serious loss for the Padres, as Ryan is picking up the pace in the minors with a 3.41 career ERA.