KANSAS CIRY, Mo., Aug. 10 (UPI) -- The Kansas City Royals Tuesday demoted shortstop Angel Berroa to Double-A Wichita.
Berroa, who was last year's American League Rookie of the Year, committed his 22nd error of the season in Monday's 5-3 loss to Anaheim. He was batting .249 with five homers and 30 RBI in 96 games.
The surprise demotion left some of his teammates angry.
"I don't agree with it at all, not at all," said first baseman and team captain Mike Sweeney. "I know Angel was not playing up to his best but he's got his average up to the .250s and he's been playing his heart out every day and I just don't think it's right to send a guy who's been playing with such enthusiasm to Double-A."
In 2003, Berroa made 24 errors all season, only five in his last 95 games, and batted .287 with 17 homers and 73 RBI.
Shortstop Andres Blanco was recalled from Wichita to fill Berroa's roster spot.
