Editing Jeremy Affeldt (section)

===Kansas City Royals (2002–2006)===
====2002====
Affeldt was not expected to make the [[Kansas City Royals]]' roster in 2002, but he was added to the bullpen after he had an 0.64 ERA and fourteen strikeouts (to go with just two walks) in fourteen innings in [[Spring training]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Falkoff |first=Robert |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20020425&content_id=14117&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=Affeldt's star on the rise |work=MLB.com |date=April 25, 2002 |access-date=December 15, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121005175744/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20020425&content_id=14117&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 5, 2012 }}</ref> His major league debut came on April 6 against the [[Chicago White Sox]]. He pitched two innings, giving up three hits and a run in a 14&ndash;0 loss.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/2002/B04060KCA2002.htm |title=Chicago White Sox 14, Kansas City Royals 0 |publisher=Retrosheet |access-date=December 15, 2010}}</ref> On April 24, Affeldt picked up his first major league win by pitching 3.2 innings of relief in an 8&ndash;2 win over the [[Detroit Tigers]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Falkoff |first=Robert |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20020424&content_id=13733&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=KC's young guns come through |work=MLB.com |date=April 24, 2002 |access-date=December 15, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121005175801/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20020424&content_id=13733&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 5, 2012 }}</ref>

Affeldt's time in the bullpen did not last long. On May 3, he replaced [[Bryan Rekar]] in the Royals' starting rotation.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/2002/Krekab0010082002.htm |title=The 2002 KC A Regular Season Pitching Log for Bryan Rekar |publisher=Retrosheet |access-date=December 15, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/2002/VKCA02002.htm |title=The 2002 Kansas City Royals Regular Season Game Log |publisher=Retrosheet |access-date=December 15, 2010}}</ref> In his first start, he pitched four innings, gave up one run, and earned a no&ndash;decision in a 4&ndash;3 loss to the [[Baltimore Orioles]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Jenkins |first=Becky Dubin |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20020504&content_id=18137&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=Affledt, Brito involved in big plays |work=MLB.com |date=May 4, 2002 |access-date=December 15, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006025218/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20020504&content_id=18137&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 }}</ref> Affeldt's time as a starter garnered so-so results, as he was 0&ndash;4 with a 5.45 ERA in seven starts.<ref name="MLB"/> In his last start, on June 8, Affeldt picked up the loss as the Royals fell 11&ndash;3 to the [[St. Louis Cardinals]]. After getting pulled in the fourth inning due to an injury,<ref>{{cite web|last=Falkoff |first=Robert |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20020609&content_id=47985&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=Quinn is out, McDonald is up |work=MLB.com |date=June 9, 2002 |access-date=December 16, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006025509/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20020609&content_id=47985&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 }}</ref> Affeldt was placed on the [[disabled list]] with fingernail and blister problems.<ref name="MLB"/><ref name="Knoblauch">{{cite web|last=Falkoff |first=Robert and Todd Lorenz |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20020804&content_id=96255&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=MLBeat: Knoblauch doesn't start |work=MLB.com |date=August 4, 2002 |access-date=December 16, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006025529/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20020804&content_id=96255&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 }}</ref>

After making three rehab starts in Wichita, Affeldt returned to the Royals on August 2 and threw a perfect inning against the [[Minnesota Twins]].<ref name="Knoblauch"/> He remained in the bullpen for the remainder of the 2002 season.<ref name="MLB"/> After the season, he pitched in a winter league in the [[Dominican Republic]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Falkoff |first=Robert |title=Affeldt looks strong in winter ball |work=MLB.com |date=November 19, 2002 |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20021119&content_id=178813&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |access-date=December 16, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006025609/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20021119&content_id=178813&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 }}</ref>

====2003====
In 2003, Affeldt found himself competing with [[Runelvys Hernández]] for the first spot in the Royals' starting rotation during Spring training. Because [[Tony Peña]], the Royals' manager, was unable to decide which one would be the ace, he flipped a coin to determine who would be number one. Hernández won the toss.<ref>{{cite web|last=Falkoff |first=Robert |title=Royals notes: Flip a coin |work=MLB.com |date=March 15, 2003 |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030315&content_id=221301&vkey=spt2003news&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |access-date=December 16, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006025629/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030315&content_id=221301&vkey=spt2003news&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 }}</ref>

Affeldt was placed on the disabled list after only four games with blister problems again.<ref>{{cite web|last=Falkoff |first=Robert |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030420&content_id=282706&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=Royals notes: Affeldt to the DL |work=MLB.com |date=April 20, 2003 |access-date=December 17, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006025708/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030420&content_id=282706&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 }}</ref> His time on the DL was brief and he returned to the Royals on May 6.<ref>{{cite web|last=Falkoff |first=Robert |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030506&content_id=306858&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=KC Notes: Affeldt returns from DL |work=MLB.com |date=May 6, 2003 |access-date=December 18, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006025735/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030506&content_id=306858&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 }}</ref> On May 28, he struck out a career high eight batters in a win against the [[Minnesota Twins]].<ref name="MLB"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/2003/B05120MIN2003.htm |title=Kansas City Royals 3, Minnesota Twins 2 |publisher=Retrosheet |access-date=December 18, 2010}}</ref> Later, on June 6, he notched his first hit.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |url=http://baseball-reference.com/players/a/affelje01.shtml |title=Jeremy Affeldt |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=December 18, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/2003/B06080COL2003.htm |title=Colorado Rockies 8, Kansas City Royals 7 |publisher=Retrosheet |access-date=December 18, 2010}}</ref>

Affeldt's final start of the year came on July 23, in a game he won against Minnesota.<ref>{{cite web|last=Falkoff |first=Robert |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030723&content_id=441310&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=Royals light up Twins |work=MLB.com |date=July 23, 2003 |access-date=December 18, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006025816/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030723&content_id=441310&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 }}</ref> After the start, the Royals moved him to the bullpen to try to fix his blister problems. The move was originally thought to be temporary.<ref>{{cite web|last=Lockhart |first=Matt |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030726&content_id=446177&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=Notes: Time for a change |work=MLB.com |date=July 26, 2003 |access-date=December 19, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006025833/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030726&content_id=446177&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 }}</ref> While in the bullpen, on August 3, he got his career first save in a 2&ndash;0 win over the [[Tampa Bay Devil Rays]].<ref name="MLB"/><ref>{{cite web|last=Falkoff |first=Robert |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030803&content_id=458871&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=Gobble, in debut, shuts down Rays |work=MLB.com |date=August 3, 2003 |access-date=December 19, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006025847/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030803&content_id=458871&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 }}</ref> On August 21, the Royals announced that Affeldt would spend the rest of the year in the bullpen.<ref>{{cite web|last=Falkoff |first=Robert |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030821&content_id=491962&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=Royals notes: Affeldt won't start |work=MLB.com |date=August 21, 2003 |access-date=December 19, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006030142/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030821&content_id=491962&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 }}</ref> Two days later, he got another save against Minnesota.<ref>{{cite web|last=Falkoff |first=Robert |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030823&content_id=493623&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=What a relief! Royals edge Twins |work=MLB.com |date=August 23, 2003 |access-date=December 19, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006030322/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030823&content_id=493623&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 }}</ref> He picked up two more saves before the end of the year and finished with a 7&ndash;6 record and a 3.93 ERA. After the season, to try to help with his blister problems, he had part of a fingernail on the middle finger of his left hand removed. Also, the Royals announced that if he developed blister problems again, he would be sent to the bullpen for good.<ref>{{cite web|last=Falkoff |first=Robert |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20040226&content_id=641735&vkey=spt2004news&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=Fingering it out: Affeldt ready |work=MLB.com |date=February 26, 2004 |access-date=December 19, 2010 }}{{dead link|date=October 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

====2004====
In 2004, Affeldt was named the Royals' third starter out of Spring training.<ref>{{cite web|last=Kaegel |first=Dick |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20040330&content_id=674110&vkey=spt2004news&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=Notes: Affeldt ready to go |work=MLB.com |date=March 30, 2004 |access-date=December 20, 2010 }}{{dead link|date=October 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> He went 0&ndash;3 with a 5.24 ERA in eight starts. His final start of {{baseball year|2004}} came on May 18 against the [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]]. Affeldt gave up five runs in four innings and received a no&ndash;decision in a 7&ndash;6 victory by the Royals.<ref>{{cite web|last=Eskew |first=Alan |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20040518&content_id=746652&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=Royals road rally rocks Rangers |work=MLB.com |date=May 18, 2004 |access-date=December 20, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006030531/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20040518&content_id=746652&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 }}</ref> Afterwards, although his blister problems had not resurfaced, manager [[Tony Peña]] named him the Royals closer on May 21 due to poor pitching and injury problems with the other Royals closers.<ref>{{cite web|last=Kaegel |first=Dick |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20040521&content_id=749610&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=Notes: Affeldt new Royals closer |work=MLB.com |date=May 21, 2004 |access-date=December 20, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006030544/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20040521&content_id=749610&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 }}</ref>

Affeldt blew his first save opportunity of 2004 against the [[Oakland Athletics]] on May 22,<ref>{{cite web|last=Kaegel |first=Dick |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20040523&content_id=750493&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=Affeldt gets rude welcome |work=MLB.com |date=May 23, 2004 |access-date=December 20, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006030609/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20040523&content_id=750493&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 }}</ref> but he converted in his next outing on May 25 against the [[Detroit Tigers]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Kaegel |first=Dick |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20040525&content_id=752415&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=Kansas City gets Royal treatment |work=MLB.com |date=May 25, 2004 |access-date=December 20, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006105951/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20040525&content_id=752415&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 }}</ref> He converted eight of ten save opportunities before he was placed on the disabled list on June 27 with a partially torn rib&ndash;cage muscle.<ref>{{cite web|last=Kaegel |first=Dick |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20040627&content_id=781653&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=Notes: Affeldt out several weeks |work=MLB.com |date=June 27, 2004 |access-date=December 20, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006110023/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20040627&content_id=781653&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 }}</ref> He was out for almost eight weeks.

After making four rehab appearances for AAA Omaha, Affeldt returned to the Royals on August 21.<ref>{{cite web|last=Kaegel |first=Dick |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20040821&content_id=834190&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=Notes: Affeldt activated from DL |work=MLB.com |date=August 21, 2004 |access-date=December 22, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006110136/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20040821&content_id=834190&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 }}</ref> He made his first appearance since returning from the DL on August 22,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/2004/B08220KCA2004.htm |title=Kansas City Royals 10, Texas Rangers 2 |publisher=Retrosheet |access-date=December 22, 2010}}</ref> but he did not get another save until September 1 in a 1&ndash;0 victory over the Tigers.<ref>{{cite web|last=Kaegel |first=Dick |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20040901&content_id=844600&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=Greinke locks down Tigers |work=MLB.com |date=September 1, 2004 |access-date=December 22, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006110358/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20040901&content_id=844600&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 }}</ref> He picked up four more saves to finish the year with a career&ndash;high 13 saves and a 4.95 ERA.

====2005====
In 2005, Affeldt was again expected to be the Royals' closer. However, he did not get a save opportunity until April 16 against Detroit, and he was unable to finish that game because of a groin injury that landed him on the disabled list again.<ref>{{cite web |last=LaWell |first=Matt |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050416&content_id=1017727&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=Notes: Affeldt placed on disabled list |work=MLB.com |date=April 16, 2005 |access-date=December 23, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006110453/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050416&content_id=1017727&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> After rehabbing in Omaha, Affeldt returned to the Royals on June 4. He was no longer the closer, however, because [[Mike MacDougal]] had been closing well in his absence.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kaegel |first=Dick |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050604&content_id=1075108&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=Notes:Affeldt returns from disabled list |work=MLB.com |date=June 4, 2005 |access-date=December 29, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006110507/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050604&content_id=1075108&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Affeldt was not healthy for long, as he returned to the disabled list on June 20 after reaggravating the groin injury.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kaegel |first=Dick |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050620&content_id=1097273&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=Notes: Three Royals placed on DL |work=MLB.com |date=June 20, 2005 |access-date=December 29, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006110527/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050620&content_id=1097273&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

Affeldt returned to the Royals on July 7.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kaegel |first=Dick |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050707&content_id=1119411&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=Notes: Sweeney sits with bruise |work=MLB.com |date=July 8, 2005 |access-date=December 29, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006110601/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050707&content_id=1119411&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Through July 27, he had a 2.18 ERA. He did not give up more than one earned run until August 5, when he got his first loss of the year against the [[Oakland Athletics]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Kaegel |first=Dick |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050806&content_id=1159887&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=Affeldt takes blame for Friday's loss |work=MLB.com |date=August 6, 2005 |access-date=December 30, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006110608/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050806&content_id=1159887&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> However, Affeldt had a 12.71 ERA in his next eighteen appearances, which raised his ERA to 6.93. He held opposing batters scoreless for the final nine games of the season to bring it down to a season&ndash;ending 5.26.<ref name="MLB"/>

====2006====
Affeldt returned to Kansas City's starting rotation in 2006 when he was named the fourth starter during Spring training.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kaegel |first=Dick |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060326&content_id=1363058&vkey=spt2006news&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=Notes:Bell provides rotation drama |work=MLB.com |date=March 26, 2006 |access-date=December 31, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006110619/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060326&content_id=1363058&vkey=spt2006news&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> However, he was moved up to the third spot before the season began when [[Runelvys Hernández]] was demoted to the fifth spot.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kaegel |first=Dick |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060327&content_id=1364477&vkey=spt2006news&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=Notes: Rotation readjustment |work=MLB.com |date=March 27, 2006 |access-date=December 31, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006110638/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060327&content_id=1364477&vkey=spt2006news&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Affeldt struggled as a starter, going 2&ndash;5 with a 7.80 ERA in nine starts. His final major league start came on May 27 against the [[New York Yankees]]. He gave up ten runs on eleven hits in a 15&ndash;4 loss.<ref>{{cite web |last=Girandola |first=Chris |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060527&content_id=1474378&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=Royals' bats can't keep pace in loss |work=MLB.com |date=May 27, 2006 |access-date=December 31, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006110825/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060527&content_id=1474378&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> After the start, he was sent to the bullpen, and [[Bobby Keppel]] filled his place in the starting rotation.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kaegel |first=Dick |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060530&content_id=1479788&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=Notes: Bell revamps rotation |work=MLB.com |date=May 30, 2006 |access-date=December 31, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006110811/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060530&content_id=1479788&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=October 6, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Affeldt improved in the bullpen, posting a 2.91 ERA there through July 31.

Years later, reflecting on his tenure with the Royals, Affeldt said, "I was pretty frustrated. I wanted to quit. I didn't want to go to the ballpark. I was just failing a lot. I was getting hurt. I didn't understand my role. I bounced around and I just didn't enjoy the game."<ref name="hickey2014">{{cite news |url=http://www.mercurynews.com/sports/ci_26758925/world-series-jeremy-affeldt-goes-home |title=World Series: Jeremy Affeldt goes home |first=John |last=Hickey |date=October 19, 2014 |work=San Jose Mercury News}}</ref> At the trade deadline on July 31, Affeldt was traded along with [[Denny Bautista]] to the [[Colorado Rockies]] for [[Ryan Shealy]] and [[Scott Dohmann]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Harding |first=Thomas |url=http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060731&content_id=1585965&vkey=news_col&fext=.jsp&c_id=col |title=Rox add lefty Affeldt, righty Bautista |work=MLB.com |date=August 1, 2006 |access-date=December 31, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325043604/http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060731&content_id=1585965&vkey=news_col&fext=.jsp&c_id=col |archive-date=March 25, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Affeldt recalled, "When [Royals General Manager Dayton Moore] traded me, he said, 'I feel like I need to give you a fresh start. You can learn to enjoy the game again.' I have a lot of respect for him now because he saw that. It was a move that had to be made for me to be able to continue playing baseball. I'm very thankful for it."<ref name="hickey2014"/>