The Royals will get some familiar faces back in the lineup tonight with the return of Vinnie Pasquantino and Maikel Garcia. Both players were activated from the Injured List today, but to make room for them, the Royals demoted infielder Josh Rojas and designated outfielder Starling Marte for assignment. The team also added left-hander Connor Thomas to the bullpen, and demoted Jose Cuas.
Marte signed a one-year, $1 million deal with the Royals in spring training as a veteran bat to bolster the outfield. The 37-year-old mostly played against lefties, appearing in 59 games, hitting .242/.298/.314 with two home runs in 168 plate appearances.
Pasquantino has been out three weeks after reinjuring his hand. It has been a rough year for the 28-year-old. He has battled hand injuries and is batting just .232/.318/.345 with just six home runs in 79 games. Jac Caglianone has been filling in at first base and has seen his bat take off. He moves back to right field tonight, with Pasquantino back at first base.
Garcia has been out since late June with a muscle strain in his hand. He was set to return in late July, but had a setback in his rehab. His numbers are also down from last year, although he has been near league-average with a line of .261/.320/.373, although with just five steals in 69 games. Garcia is in the lineup tonight hitting fourth, with Pasquantino hitting fifth.
Connor Thomas was claimed off waivers from the Athletics earlier this month, and the Royals are the fifth organization he has played for. The 28-year-old lefty appeared in two games with the Brewers last year, and two with the Braves this year. He has a 2.40 ERA in 41.1 innings of relief in the minors this season. With Daniel Lynch IV pitching in the rotation, Thomas is the only lefty in the bullpen.