Carlos Hernández claimed off waivers, Royals roster comes into focus
The Royals send Nick Pratto and Nelson Velázquez to Omaha
The Royals announced today that pitcher Carlos Hernández has been claimed off waivers from the Philadelphia Phillies and that first baseman Nick Pratto and outfielder Nelson Velázquez have cleared waivers and have been outrighted to Triple-A Omaha. The Royals also released veteran catcher Luke Maile and pitcher Ross Stripling, both of whom were non-roster invitees. The moves bring the players on the 40-man roster to 37 and bring the Opening Day roster into focus.
Opening up the roster spots could allow non-roster invitees infielder Cavan Biggio and newly acquired outfielder Mark Canha to be added to the roster. They could be part of a bench that is likely to include catcher Freddy Fermin and outfielder Dairon Blanco, if healthy.
The starting lineup is largely set, although there is some question about Vinnie Pasquantino after he left yesterday’s game with a right hamstring strain. If Pasquantino is unable to begin the season at first, Mark Canha has experience at the position, as does Salvador Perez. Otherwise, Salvy will likely start behind the plate, with Jonathan India and Michael Massey either at second base or DH, Bobby Witt Jr. at shortstop, Maikel Garcia at third, and an outfield of MJ Melendez, Kyle Isbel, and Hunter Renfroe.
Anne Rogers reported yesterday that the Royals have finalized their pitching staff. Cole Ragans will get the ball on Opening Day, with Seth Lugo, Michael Wacha, Michael Lorezen, and Kris Bubic in the rotation. Daniel Lynch IV has made the bullpen along with Carlos Estévez, Lucas Erceg, Hunter Harvey, John Schreiber, Angel Zerpa, Sam Long, and Chris Stratton. There is still some question about Estévez’s health, as he had a late start in camp with back tightness, and has showed diminished velocity in his outings. Alec Marsh, Kyle Wright, and James McArthur will all begin the season on the Injured List.
Hernández spent parts of five seasons with the Royals posting a 4.95 ERA in 256 1/3 innings. He showed promise as a starter in 2021 with a 3.68 ERA, but struggled since then with a fastball that can hit triple digits but is largely hittable. The 28-year-old was out of options, meaning he had to clear waivers to be sent to the minors.
The Royals leave Arizona to play two exhibition games in Texas on Monday and Tuesday before having a public workout at the K on Wednesday and opening the regular season on Thursday against the Cleveland Guardians.