Royals call up newly acquired Burns, send Pounders to Omaha

MLB

The Kansas City Royals have recalled outfielder Billy Burns from Omaha (AAA).   Burns was acquired on Saturday from the Oakland A’s, after hitting .234 with Oakland this season, with 11 doubles, four triples, 14 stolen bases, and 32 runs scored in 73 game.  Burns will be in uniform (#14) for tonight’s game with the Tampa Bay Rays. To make room for Burns, the club has optioned right-handed pitcher Brooks Pounders to Omaha.

The switch-hitting outfielder finished fifth in last year’s Rookie of the Year voting, batting .294 with 18 doubles, nine triples, five homers and 26 stolen bases in 125 games. He led Major League rookies in steals, and multi-hit games (47), while topping American League rookies in hits (153) in 2015.