URGENT UPDATE: The Kansas City Royals have just reinstated top prospect Jac Caglianone from the injured list and promoted Carter Jensen, their second-ranked prospect, from Triple-A Omaha. This strategic move comes as the Royals gear up for a crucial three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels starting tomorrow night, August 29, 2023, as they chase a playoff spot.
The Royals, currently sitting three games back of the Seattle Mariners for the final American League wild-card position, are feeling the pressure to enhance their roster for the final month of the season. In a setback, second baseman Jonathan India has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a sprained left wrist, prompting the Royals to recall hard-throwing reliever Luinder Avila from Omaha to bolster their bullpen.
Caglianone, 22, returns after a stint on the injured list since July 27 due to a strained left hamstring. Earlier this season, he was brought in to invigorate a struggling Kansas City offense. Since his recovery, he has excelled in Omaha, boasting an impressive .385 batting average with five home runs and 16 RBIs in just 16 games during his rehab assignment. Royals general manager J.J. Picollo emphasized Caglianone’s potential, stating, “It’s pretty evident that he’s strong enough and can hit the ball hard enough that he’s going to have success.”
Meanwhile, Jensen, also 22, has been making waves since being drafted in the third round out of Park Hill High School in Kansas City. He began the season at Double-A Northwest Arkansas before moving up to Omaha, where he has hit .288 with 14 home runs and 39 RBIs in just 43 games. His standout performance earned him a spot in the All-Star Futures Game, and with the departure of backup catcher Freddy Fermin to the San Diego Padres, Jensen may find himself getting significant playing time behind the plate.
With India sidelined, the Royals will rely on Adam Frazier and Michael Massey to fill the gap at second base. India has been struggling, batting just .232 with eight home runs and 41 RBIs this season. The injuries and roster changes come at a critical time for the Royals, as they aim for a second consecutive playoff berth.
Fans are eagerly anticipating how these changes will impact the team’s performance. The Royals are hoping that Caglianone’s power and Jensen’s potential can help turn the tide in their favor during this pivotal stretch.
Stay tuned for further updates as the Royals prepare to face the Angels and continue their quest for postseason glory.
