The Royals made a flurry of moves to finalize their 26-man roster, including placing infielder Michael Massey and pitchers Stephen Kolek and James McArthur on the Injured List. Those moves allowed speedster Tyler Tolbert to make the team. The Royals also designated outfielder Drew Waters for assignment, and added reliever Eli Morgan to the 40-man roster and optioned him to Triple-A Omaha.
Here is the 26-man Opening Day roster:
Catchers: Carter Jensen, Salvador Perez
Infielders: Maikel Garcia, Jonathan
India, Nick Loftin, Vinnie Pasquantino, Tyler Tolbert, Bobby Witt Jr.
Outfielders: Jac Caglianone, Isaac Collins, Kyle Isbel, Starling Marte, Lane Thomas
Starting pitchers: Kris Bubic, Noah Cameron, Seth Lugo, Cole Ragans, Michael Wacha
Relievers: Lucas Erceg, Carlos Estévez, Bailey Falter, Alex Lange, Daniel Lynch IV, Nick Mears, John Schreiber, Matt Strahm
Isaac Collins avoids the Injured List after nursing knee and back injuries in spring training. Massey had been dealing with a calf-strain and was held back in Arizona when the team traveled to Texas for their remaining two exhibition games. Kolek suffered a Grade 1 oblique strain in spring training, and James McArthur is recovering from elbow surgery last year. The team cut ties with Waters after the 27-year-old hit .243/.288/.316 with one home run in 71 games for them last year.
The Royals begin the season Friday evening at 6:15 CT in Atlanta against the Braves with Cole Ragans scheduled to make the start.
