Reliever Jason Shiell of Rincon was called up Thursday by the Kansas City Royals.

The Royals purchased his contract from Triple-A Omaha after releasing Scott Elarton on Wednesday.

According to www.mlb.com’s Conor Nicholl and the Kansas City Royals’ Web site, Shiell said the promotion was a big surprise, considering his bumpy year but that he is grateful for the opportunity to pitch.

Being in the majors is not something new for the former Windsor Forest High School graduate. This is Shiell's fourth Major League team. He is 2-2 with a career 6.92 ERA with the Padres, Red Sox and Braves in 24 career games.

At Omaha, he went 1-4 with  a 4.70 ERA, but vastly improved in July.

This month, he has a 2.45 ERA and has allowed only one run in his last nine innings.

Shiell throws a fastball, curveball, sinker and cutter.

The Royals host the Texas Rangers this weekend.