Royals activate Michael Massey, call up CJ Alexander
Nelson Velázquez is shipped down.
The Royals made a series of moves on Monday in an attempt to wake up an offense that has scored just 11 runs in the last seven games and is currently scoreless over the last 22 innings. Returning to the lineup is Michael Massey, who had been out for the last month with a back injury. The Royals also called up infielder C.J. Alexander from Omaha and placed Adam Frazier on the Injured List and optioned outfielder Nelson Velázquez to Omaha. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Royals designated pitcher Jake Brentz for assignment.
Alexander was originally acquired from the Braves in the trade that netted them Drew Waters. The 27-year old has been one of the best power bats for Omaha the last two seasons, and he was hitting .323/.359/.555 with nine home runs in 56 games for the first place Storm Chasers. Alexander played first base last year but has primarily played third base this year, and he is in the lineup at third tonight. His brother Blaze plays shortstop for the Diamondbacks.
Massey will be limited to DH duties initially, and is hitting fifth for the team tonight. He was off to a good start before his injury, hitting .294/.306/.529 with six home runs in 29 games.
Frazier injured his thumb diving for a ball in Saturday’s game in Texas. He had appeared in 57 games and was hitting .211/.297/.299. Velázquez was acquired from the Cubs last year and while he was terrific in the last two months of the 2023 season, he struggled this year, hitting .200/.274/.366 in 64 games. Jake Brentz was trying to recover from Tommy John surgery but he has been very wild in the minors, with 30 walks and 24 runs allowed in 17 minor league innings.
The promotion of Alexander moves Maikel Garcia to second base, where he has played at in just 4 MLB games and 11 minor league games.