Royals reinstate Cheslor Cuthbert, option Ramon Torres to Omaha

In an effort to add cover for a hobbled Mike Moustakas, the Royals reinstated infielder Cheslor Cuthbert from the disabled list on Tuesday.

Moustakas is battling a buildup of fluid around his right knee after getting hit by a 99 mph fastball from Detroit reliever Bruce Rondon on July 26. The pitch struck Moustakas in the hip and created a deep bruise that has drained down his leg over the last week, Royals manager Ned Yost said.

“It’s draining down his leg and the fluid … makes it a little less flexible,” Yost said. “The trainers work real hard to get the fluid out, but by the end of the day, it’s still draining down in there.”

Moustakas, who has moved gingerly on the base paths in recent days, was in the lineup at designated hitter on Tuesday, while Cuthbert started at third base. Moustakas will likely return to third base on Wednesday when the Royals lose the DH during a two-game series in St. Louis. But the club could opt to give him more time at DH this weekend in Chicago if the issue lingers.

“He’s battling through it,” Yost said.

Cuthbert returned from the disabled list following a rehab assignment at Class AAA Omaha.To create a spot on the 25-man roster, the club optioned backup infielder Ramon Torres back to Omaha.

Cuthbert was 9 for 26 with three homers since re-starting a rehab stint on Aug. 1. He originally went on the disabled list in late June with a wrist sprain. His first rehab assignment was interrupted after he fouled a ball off his foot on July 25.

Torres was batting .242 with a .299 on-base percentage in 62 at-bats since being called up from Omaha in early June.

This story was originally published August 8, 2017 at 1:37 PM with the headline "Royals reinstate Cheslor Cuthbert, option Ramon Torres to Omaha."