Kansas City, Mo. ? Left-hander Jeremy Affeldt, who missed 44 games while on the disabled list because of a strained left groin, was activated Saturday by the Kansas City Royals.

Affeldt has not pitched in the majors since April 15. He began the season as the Royals’ closer before the injury, but does not return to that role.

Manager Buddy Bell said Mike MacDougal, who is 3-for-3 in save situations since Bell took over the team Tuesday, would remain his closer. That news did not go over well with Affeldt.

“That is a bit of a dagger, but I’ve got to deal with it,” Affeldt said. “I think it would be inhuman to say I’m not disappointed, but I’m not going to complain about it. I feel I did a good job in that role. And to come back and not have that role, you feel a little disappointed.

“On the other hand, MacDougal is throwing the ball real well. I’m coming off an injury, and I’m probably not in midseason shape like most of these guys are. I hope I can be effective in whatever way they use me.”

Affeldt had a 5.40 earned-run average in five relief appearances with Class AAA Omaha on an injury rehab assignment. He gave up three runs, allowed four hits, walked three and struck out seven in five innings.

Affeldt led the club with 13 saves last year after being moved to the bullpen. He was a starter in the minors and has 33 starts in the majors. But he said he was not expecting to be inserted into the starting rotation.

“Right now, to make me a starter would be very ineffective to the fact I would have to build my pitch count up,” Affeldt said. “It would take some time to do that. I don’t think that’s a possibility now because we’re already in midseason. I haven’t started in over a year.”

To make room for Affeldt, the Royals designated right-handed pitcher Ryan Jensen for assignment. That means the team has 10 days to trade him, put him on waivers or release him.

Jensen was 2-1 with a 7.43 ERA in three starts, including a victory Thursday against the Yankees. He also got the win against St. Louis in his Royals’ debut May 22.

“I knew it was going to be happen sooner or later, but I didn’t think it would be this soon,” Jensen said. “Two of my three starts were good. I’m puzzled a little bit.”

Bell said it was a tough decision to send Jensen down.

“We pretty much knew what Jensen is,” Bell said. “There are other guys we need to see more of to see what we’ve got.”