Royals recall Johnny Giavotella with Omar Infante ailing

With Omar Infante still nursing a back injury, the Royals recalled second baseman Johnny Giavotella before Friday’s game against the Mariners.

Infante has not played since Tuesday. Manager Ned Yost indicated he does not expect Infante to land on the disabled list. But the team is without a backup middle infielder, with part-time third baseman Danny Valencia forced into action at second.

To make room on the roster for Giavotella, the Royals optioned reliever Michael Mariot back to Class AAA Omaha.

Giavotella was hitting .352 with an .894 on-base plus slugging percentage in Omaha. He also played some third base.

This story was originally published May 9, 2014 at 4:53 PM with the headline "Royals recall Johnny Giavotella with Omar Infante ailing."