Tue 8/14/12 5:14 PM

Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star reports that the Royals have requested release waivers on Yuniesky Betancourt. Just a formality before he hits the open market. Betancourt was designated for assignment by the Royals earlier this month after hitting just .228/.256/.400 with seven home runs, 36 RBI and a .656 OPS over 228 plate appearances this season. He wasn't worth his $2 million salary, but it likely won't take him long to find a minor league deal elsewhere.