Kansas City Royals Roster
- AL Central
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- Kauffman Stadium
Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez (thumb) is set to undergo surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb. The Royals made this announcement on Friday while also stating that Perez was "expected to return this season." This is tough news for fantasy managers who are rostering the star catcher. Even if he indeed returns this season, it sounds as if his absence could be a lengthy one. Fantasy managers should continue to roster Perez until we get a better idea of what his timeline looks like. The Royals placed Perez on the 10-day injured list on Friday and activated outfielder Edward Olivares (quadriceps) in a corresponding move. With Perez out, there will be nothing standing in the way of MJ Melendez's playing time, making him a clear top-10 catcher in all formats for now.
The Kansas City Royals will be sellers at this year's trade deadline, and they are talking "more seriously" about second baseman/outfielder Whit Merrifield in trade talks more than ever before, according to one rival executive. Merrifield will be a free agent after next season. Outfielder Andrew Benintendi might be the Royals' top piece this summer, while first baseman Carlos Santana may also draw some interest. Merrifield, 33, is still plenty useful with nine stolen bases, but he hasn't hit much this year. He's currently sporting a .232/.277/.318 slash line with only three home runs, 30 RBI and 33 runs scored in 307 plate appearances over 68 games played. Merrifield has been much better in June, though, and his counting stats could be on the rise if he joins a contender in the second half.
Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke (elbow) will be activated from the injured list to start on Friday against the Oakland Athletics, according to skipper Mike Matheny. Brad Keller will go on Saturday and Brady Singer will get the ball on Sunday in the series finale. Greinke is ready to return to the Royals rotation after giving up three runs while walking one and striking out eight in 12 innings over two minor league rehab starts with Triple-A Omaha. The 38-year-old right-hander has limited upside at the point in his career, but a return matchup to face the lowly A's looks pretty attractive. In 10 starts for the Royals this year, Greinke has a 5.05 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP with 25 strikeouts and 10 walks in 51 2/3 frames.
Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez (thumb) is not in the starting lineup against the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday after undergoing an MRI exam in the morning. Skipper Mike Matheny said that local doctors are figuring out what's next, and Perez's status is currently uncertain. The 32-year-old slugger left Tuesday's game early after apparently aggravating his left thumb injury that previously landed him on the injured list. Fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day for now, but also prepare for the possibility of a return to the IL. Perez is hitting just .211/.254/.426, but he does have 11 home runs and 34 RBI on the season in 223 at-bats. Kyle Isbel will do the catching on Wednesday and is hitting seventh against Angels right-hander Shohei Ohtani.
Kansas City Royals first baseman Carlos Santana enjoyed a stellar day at the dish Tuesday, going 4-for-5 with a home run, a double, five RBI, and two runs scored. Santana's days on the Kansas City roster seemed to be numbered as recently as a few weeks ago with top prospects Vinnie Pasquantino and Nick Pratto on the way, but Santana has slashed .327/.459/.510 in his last 15 games, earning him at least a little more time. He makes for a much better play in points leagues than categories.
