The Kansas City Royals bullpen has been a real topic of conversation over the past few weeks and not for the right reasons. However, it took just 1.1 innings across two outings before the Royals apparently had seen enough, optioning Bummer back down to Omaha on Friday. We have made the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/Af9fN463M8 — Kansas City Royals (@Royals) August 7, 2026There wasn't much to be excited about when it came to Bummer's time with the Royals. Royals now missing a key element of relief versatility after Aaron Bummer's exitIn the corresponding move for Bummer's demotion, the Royals called versatile long-man Mason Black back up to the majors. This season the Royals pitching staff as a whole has struggled against left-handed hitters, with a fifth-worst 4.91 ERA, fourth-worst 1.50 WHIP and second-worst .272 opposing average.