Groome was suspended along with Athletics right-handed pitcher Michael Kelly, Diamondbacks left-hander Andrew Saalfrank, and Phillies infielder Jose Rodriguez for one year. The four players were found guilty of betting on the sport, but they weren’t on the roster or injured list of the team they bet on. That was not the case of Tucupita Marcano, who was banned for life for getting over $87,000 on that situation.

Groome is among San Diego’s first cuts this spring as he’ll open the season back in the minors as extra starting pitching depth. He’s still on the 40-man roster, so he figures to get a look at some point in the future for the Padres.

The 24-year-old southpaw did everything in his power to earn a spot on the Padres' Opening Day roster this spring -- posting a 1.29 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and a 13/10 K/BB ratio over 14 innings in Cactus League play -- but ultimately he came up just short. He'll open the season in the rotation at Triple-A El Paso and should get his shot with the big league club before long.

Groome scattered three hits on the afternoon while issuing three walks. The Royals threatened against him in the opening inning on a two-out walk by Nick Pratto and then a double by Franmil Reyes, but Groome was able to battle back to get Nate Eaton to ground out to end the threat. The 24-year-old has been unbelievable this spring -- hurling 10 2/3 scoreless innings with a 1.22 WHIP and 10 strikeouts.