The Kansas City Royals have made several roster moves ahead of their Opening Day, with several players being placed on the Injured List (IL) and others making their debut on the roster.
The following players have been placed on the Injured List, retroactive to March 25:
- Carlos Hernández (right shoulder impingement)
- Jake Brentz (left hamstring strain)
- Josh Taylor (left arm/biceps nerve injury)
- Michael Massey (low back strain)
Additionally, pitchers Kris Bubic (left elbow surgery) and Kyle Wright (right shoulder surgery) were placed on the 60-day Injured List earlier.
The Royals’ 26-man roster for Opening Day includes only seven players from last season’s Opening Day roster. Among them are pitchers Jordan Lyles and Brady Singer, catcher Salvador Perez, infielders Vinnie Pasquantino and Bobby Witt Jr., and outfielders Kyle Isbel and MJ Melendez.
Nine players will be making their Opening Day roster debut this season, including pitchers Alec Marsh, James McArthur, Matt Sauer, and Angel Zerpa, catcher Freddy Fermin, infielders Maikel Garcia and Nick Loftin, and outfielders Dairon Blanco and Nelson Velázquez.
Nine players will make their Royals debut this season, including pitchers Nick Anderson, Seth Lugo, Sauer, Chris Stratton, John Schreiber, and Michael Wacha, infielders Adam Frazier and Garrett Hampson, and outfielder Hunter Renfroe.
Cole Ragans will make his first career Opening Day start, becoming the second-youngest left-handed Opening Day starting pitcher in franchise history, older only than Danny Jackson in 1987. Ragans will be starting with 21 career starts, making it the fourth fewest by any Opening Day starter in Royals history.
Will Smith, in his 12th season in the Majors, will make his 10th Opening Day roster appearance. This marks his second stint with the Royals after pitching for them from 2012-13. He will be the 34th different player in franchise history to return to play for the team after leaving.
Salvador Perez will make his 10th career Opening Day start at catcher, extending his franchise record. His 10 Opening Day starts (at any position) tie with Willie Wilson for the sixth most in franchise history.
