Royals designated RHP Yasuhiko Yabuta for assignment.
Yabuta had a 5.46 ERA in 31 1/3 innings before being sent down on June 25. There would likely be several teams interested in him at the minimum, but that he's still owed about $4 million through the end of 2009 should guarantee that he clears waivers.
Yeah I don't see any team wanting an overpaid reliever who can't relieve. Royals made a big mistake there. I wonder if Hillman had a lot of influence in bringing him over.