The Royals roster expands on Monday. Here is a look at potential call-ups
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Royals will add a pitcher and position player as MLB rosters expand to 28.
- Jac Caglianone and Luinder Avila lead candidates for September call-ups.
- Injuries in bullpen and playoff race urgency shape Royals’ roster decisions.
The Royals will add two players via September call-ups on Monday.
Every Major League Baseball team is permitted to expand its active roster for the final month. The Royals currently have 26 players and can increase to 28, as needed.
Royals general manager J.J. Picollo declared the team will add a pitcher and position player when rosters expand on Monday.
“I’m about 95% sure that’s what it will be,” Picollo said on Friday. “... So, adding a pitcher is going to be important than trying to make a decision on who the hitter is going to be. And quite honestly, the decision has not been made. We got some guys that are swinging the bat really well. It’s more a matter of how a certain person fits on our roster.”
There are a few options available for the Royals. KC is likely to reinstate Jac Caglianone from the 10-day injured list. He has been on a rehab assignment in Triple-A Omaha due to a left hamstring strain.
Other potential candidates include outfielders Drew Waters and John Rave as both were up with the club earlier this season. The Royals could also consider a third catcher. In that case, a potential internal option — such as top prospect Carter Jensen — or external waiver claim could be an option.
However, the Royals are content with Salvador Perez and Luke Maile behind the plate.
While it’s possible the Royals decide to go in another direction, Caglianone makes the most sense given his immense power and his proficiency at the Triple-A level.
“If we weren’t in a playoff race, you would look at it completely differently,” Picollo said. “But, we’re in a playoff race and trying to predict what situations would call for what play is a little bit difficult. And right now, the guys that are swinging the bats the best in Triple-A are all left-handed, which makes it a little bit more complicated. It’s something we got to work on through the weekend.”
The Royals have slim pitching options — mostly due to injuries — available on their 40-man roster. One possible option is right-hander Luinder Avila. He recently made his MLB debut and has the ability to pitch out of the bullpen.
A reliever will help the Royals in the long term. The bullpen has been taxed and a fresh arm can allocate extra rest for others. KC relievers Hunter Harvey, Steven Cruz and Bailey Falter are currently on the 15-day injured list.
Avila is the most likely choice, but the Royals could also explore additional waivers for another option.
However, the Royals will not recall Stephen Kolek — who started on Saturday — because he was optioned and is required to spend a minimum of 15 days in the minors before being promoted again.
