In the offseason, the Kansas City Royals designated reliever Joel Payamps for assignment and then reinstated him to the active roster. The right-hander has pitched in nine games for the Royals and is 1-1 with a 4.66 ERA in 9.2 innings. The Royals will need a starting pitcher to fill in for injured reliever Chris Owings. But the Royals believe Payamps can be a viable starter and middle reliever for the club.