Massey returns from IL, Velazquez optioned to Triple-A as Royals make slew of moves
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - The Kansas City Royals made a slew of roster moves Monday after returning home following a 2-7 road trip.
Kansas City announced the club reinstated second baseman Michael Massey from the injured list and selected infielder CJ Alexander from Triple-A Omaha.
Utilityman Adam Frazier was placed on the 10-day injured list after suffering a right thumb sprain during Kansas City’s weekend series in Texas. Frazier’s injured list designation is retroactive to June 23.
With Massey and Alexander ing the major league club, Kansas City is optioning the struggling Nelson Velazquez to Triple-A Omaha. The 25-year-old right-handed hitter was 4-for-36 at the plate since he slugged a game-tying triple in the ninth inning of a June 2 win over the San Diego Padres.
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Kansas City also designated left-handed pitcher Jake Brentz for assignment. Brentz had a 12.71 ERA during 17 innings of work this year with Double-A Northwest Arkansas.
Massey’s return could see him re the Royals lineup for the first time since he hit a 3-run home run in a May 24 win over the Tampa Bay Rays. Massey exited that 8-1 Royals win with lower back tightness and was later placed on the injured list.
In 102 at-bats this season, Massey has been one of the more productive hitters in Kansas City’s lineup. The 26-year-old from Illinois has a .294 batting average with 6 home runs and 23 RBI.
Kansas City released its lineup for Monday night’s contest against the Marlins with Massey hitting fifth as the designated hitter. Alexander will make his Major League debut and bat eighth as the third baseman, while Maikel Garcia moves to second base defensively.
Alexander, a 6-foot-4 left-handed hitter, was hitting .323 with 9 home runs and 35 RBI for Triple-A Omaha this season.
The Royals return to Kauffman Stadium Monday night for a 10-game homestand against the Miami Marlins, Cleveland Guardians and Tampa Bay Rays. Monday’s series-opener against the Marlins begins at 7:10 p.m. CT.
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