KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – The Kansas City Royals added several players with a trio of trade deadline moves from general manager J.J. Picollo on Thursday.
Friday, ahead of a nine-game road trip that begins in Toronto, the Royals announced several roster moves, providing a clearer picture of how the roster will look for the foreseeable future.
The Royals first announced that utilityman Nick Loftin has been reinstated to the active roster after a stint on the 7-day concussion list.
Outfielder Mike Yastrzemski, whom the Royals acquired in a trade with the San Francisco Giants, was added to the active roster and will be active Friday night in Toronto. Yastrzemski is in the Royals starting lineup for Kansas City on Friday night and playing right field.
Outfielder MJ Melendez was optioned to Triple-A Omaha once again after being called up on July 23. Melendez started the year on the MLB roster and was demoted April 19 after starting the year with a sub-.100 batting average.
Stephen Kolek, one of the two pitchers Kansas City acquired from the San Diego Padres in a deal that sent catcher Freddy Fermin out, was optioned to Omaha as well.
All-Star pitcher Kris Bubic was transferred to the 60-day injured list to make room for a spot on the 40-man roster. The Royals announced Monday that Bubic was being shut down for the season after a left shoulder strain.
Joey Wiemer, an outfielder who the Royals acquired from the Cincinnati Reds in the trade that included Jonathan India and Brady Singer, was designated for assignment to open another spot on the 40-man roster.
Additionally, the Royals announced that Cavan Biggio was granted his unconditional release after previously being designated for assignment and 45-year-old journeyman pitcher Rich Hill elected to enter free agency after being designated for assignment on Tuesday.
COMING UP
The Royals have yet to add Ryan Berger to the active roster. He could make his first appearance in the Royals rotation during Kansas City’s upcoming series in Boston early next week.
Soon, Picollo and the Royals will have to figure out what to do when pitchers Michael Lorenzen and Cole Ragans, along with outfielder Jac Caglianone can return from the injured list.
The new-look Royals roster will be on display Friday night against the Blue Jays. You can watch that game at 6:07 p.m. CT on KCTV and KSMO.
Copyright 2025 KCTV. All rights reserved.