Royals' Smith sent down

KANSAS CITY (AP) - The Kansas City Royals have optioned left-hander Will Smith to Triple-A Omaha and recalled left-hander Ryan Verdugo to provide some bullpen support.

Smith allowed seven runs in 4 2/3 innings in the series opener Monday night, though manager Ned Yost said his poor performance wasn't the main reason he was sent down. Yost wants an extra arm in the bullpen until Kansas City starts interleague play Friday at Pittsburgh.

Yost also said left-hander Everett Teaford and second baseman Chris Getz are headed to Omaha to begin rehab assignments Thursday. Teaford has been dealing with a lower abdominal strain and Getz has been out with bruised ribs.

Teaford will throw two innings and Getz will play five.