Royals promote pitching prospect Miguel Almonte to Class AAA

The Royals have promoted pitching prospect Miguel Almonte to Class AAA Omaha, placing him one rung below the major leagues. The organization hopes Almonte could contribute to the big-league club as a reliever in September.

Almonte, a 22-year-old right-hander, posted a 4.03 ERA in 17 starts for Class AA Northwest Arkansas.

The Royals tasked Almonte with improving his fastball command this season and relying less on his change-up, which is considered advanced for his age. Team officials have mentioned this when discussing Almonte’s lowered peripheral numbers. He is striking out 7.4 batters per nine, down from 8.3 per nine, with a 2.04 strikeout-to-walk ratio.