Snyder among Royals’ moves

Kansas City cuts 12 players, trims spring roster to 40

? Right-hander Kyle Snyder, Kansas City’s first-round pick of 1999 who has never able to keep his health, was reassigned to Triple-A Omaha on Monday.

Snyder, who has had two shoulder and two elbow surgeries, was removed from the major-league roster in January, but was invited to spring training. He had no decisions and a 5.40 earned-run average in six spring-training appearances.

Outfielder Chad Allen, who has played in the majors with four different teams, also was among 12 players cut Monday.

Allen, who has played for Texas, Florida, Cleveland and Minnesota, went 8-for-13, a .615 batting average, with four doubles and a home run in six games. Allen, who made the Rangers’ opening-day roster last year, was trying to win a job as a reserve outfielder.

The Royals also optioned Ruben Gotay, who was their opening-day second baseman last year, to Omaha.

In other moves, the Royals optioned left-handed pitcher J.P. Howell, shortstop Andres Blanco and first baseman Justin Huber to Omaha. Howell went 3-5 with a 6.19 ERA in 15 starts last season with Kansas City. Huber, who played for Team Australia in the World Baseball Classic, hit .343 with Wichita last season.

The Royals also reassigned right-handers Adam Bernero, David Elder, Bobby Keppel and Joe Nelson and outfielder Kerry Robinson to Omaha and catcher Matt Tupman to Class AA Wichita.

The moves trimmed Kansas City’s spring-training roster to 40.