Louis Coleman’s time in Kansas City appears to be over.
After designating the 29-year-old for assignment last Friday, the Royals placed the right-handed reliever on unconditional release waivers Wednesday.
Coleman, a Pillow Academy product, had been designated for assignment last week to clear room on the 40-man roster after the signing of right-hander Ian Kennedy. He also was designated for assignment in the spring of 2015 but re-signed with the Royals.
If a team claims Coleman off waivers, it is obligated to pay his entire salary of $725,000 for the 2016 season.
If none of the other 29 teams pick Coleman up off waivers, he will become a free agent by Monday. He says that would allow his agent to pursue deals with other teams.
“It’s the perfect case of where one door closes, another one opens,” Coleman said Wednesday during a cellphone interview. “I think there will be a lot of interest out there. We’ll just have to see what happens if I clear waivers.
“I am thankful for the opportunity the Royals gave me, and I am looking forward to getting a chance with another team where I might earn a more permanent role in the bullpen.”
He isn’t a dominating pitcher, but he has been a productive bullpen arm in the past, which could make him an intriguing pickup for another team. The former LSU standout pitched in four games last season with the Royals, going 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA in three relief innings. His best season came in 2013, when he pitched in 27 games, going 3-0 and posting a 0.61 ERA.
