Alcides Escobar returns from D.L. as Mike Moustakas leaves for family emergency

The Royals weathered a slew of bad news on Friday afternoon, with one lone reason for optimism: Alcides Escobar was activated from the seven-day disabled list after passing tests clearing him from the concussion he suffered last week.

Escobar inherited a roster spot vacated by an unfortunate circumstance. Mike Moustakas left the club because of a family emergency. The Royals placed him on the bereavement list. He is eligible to return on Monday in Texas.

Christian Colon was scheduled to fill in for Moustakas at third base for Friday’s game against the Tigers. Escobar returned to his spot at the top of the Kansas City batting order.

“We got the doctor’s approval yesterday,” manager Ned Yost said. “We got the approval from the MLB Players Association last night. So he’s good.”

The team also welcomed a new backup catcher, Drew Butera. Francisco Peña was optioned back to Class AAA. The club had acquired Butera, who was designated from assignment by the Angels, on Thursday.

“He really can catch and throw,” Yost said. “Good defender behind the plate. Never really hit much, but a really good catch-and-throw guy.”

This story was originally published May 8, 2015 at 5:26 PM with the headline "Alcides Escobar returns from D.L. as Mike Moustakas leaves for family emergency."