MLB teams
Associated Press 10y

Royals activate Eric Hosmer

MLB, Kansas City Royals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Royals made a flurry of roster moves Monday as they begin a September march toward the playoffs, activating first baseman Eric Hosmer from the disabled list and promoting first-round draft pick Brandon Finnegan from Double-A Northwest Arkansas.

Hosmer fractured a bone in his right hand when he was hit by a pitch from Jon Lester on July 20. He tried to play through the injury before the Royals ultimately shut him down, hoping that an extended period of rest would allow him to return for the final stretch.

Hosmer began swinging a bat just last week. He was 3 for 10 during a rehab stint at Triple-A Omaha, driving in the winning run on Saturday and hitting a homer on Sunday.

His return from the disabled list should provide a boost for the Royals, who had lost three in a row heading into Monday night's series opener against Texas. Designated hitter Billy Butler had played well at first in Hosmer's absence, but he made a key error Sunday night that gave Cleveland a chance to take a 4-2 lead in the 10th inning of a game that was suspended by weather.

Hosmer is considered one of the best defensive first baseman in the game.

Finnegan may be the most high-profile of the Royals' call-ups. The left-hander was picked No. 17 overall in the June draft, and rocketed through the minor leagues. He dazzled in five starts for Class-A Wilmington and made eight relief appearances for Northwest Arkansas.

Finnegan had a 1.33 ERA with 26 strikeouts and four walks over 27 innings.

In other moves, the Royals purchased the contract of outfielder Carlos Peguero from Omaha and recalled left-hander Casey Coleman, infielder Johnny Giavotella, outfielder Lane Adams and catcher Francisco Pena from minor league affiliates to provide some much-needed depth.

Left-hander Chris Dwyer and right-hander Blake Wood were designated for assignment.

More moves are set to come. Northwest Arkansas finished its season Monday, so infielder Christian Colon, outfielder Terrance Gore and pitchers Liam Hendriks and Aaron Crow will likely arrive in Kansas City by Tuesday. Gore was added to the club's 40-man roster Sunday.

^ Back to Top ^