Surprise, Ariz. ? The Kansas City Royals optioned right-hander Brian Bannister to Triple-A Omaha on Wednesday after a rocky spring training.

Bannister, who was obtained in a December trade with the New York Mets for Ambiorix Burgos, was 0-1 with a 10.03 earned-run average in four stars. He allowed four home runs, including three in a row, in a start against the Oakland Athletics and opponents were hitting .345 off him.

With Bannister beginning the season in the minors, manager Buddy Bell announced right-hander Brandon Duckworth would be the No. 5 starter. Duckworth was 1-0 with a 4.76 ERA in four spring training games. Duckworth’s first start will be April 8 against Detroit.

Outfielder Shane Costa, who hit .304 in 11 games, also was optioned to Omaha.

Kansas City also reassigned right-handers Jason Standridge and Zach Day, infielders Alex Gonzalez and Fernando Cortez and catcher Paul Phillips to the minor league camp, and sent right-hander Kenny Ray to Omaha.

Shortstop Angel Sanchez was placed on the 60-day disabled list with an elbow injury.

With the moves, the Royals have 30 players in camp.