Allensworth’s speed wasn’t enough to win him a permanent job on a major-league roster. He’d shown promise in his first taste of major-league action in 1996, but hand and wrist injuries sidetracked him in 1997. By September Turner Ward had replaced him as the Pirates’ regular centerfielder and less than a year later Allensworth was unexpectedly dealt to the Royals.
Allensworth’s stay in Kansas City lasted two weeks. The Royals passed him to the Mets in August as part of a three-way deal for Jeff Suppan but Allensworth hit just .204 down the stretch and spent most of the 1999 season in the minors. Traded to Boston for Jon Nunnally in November, he was cut loose before the 2000 season began.
