Royals Make Roster Decisions Ahead of Athletics Series

[Philip Ruo]

The Royals have reinstated both Vinnie Pasquantino and Maikel Garcia from the injured list after their respective rehab assignments. The Royals have also called up left-handed reliever Connor Thomas to the major league roster.

To make room on the active roster, the Royals optioned infielder Josh Rojas and right-handed reliever Jose Cuas to triple-A and designated veteran outfielder Starling Marte for assignment.

We have made the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/0ocwRKjf4Y

— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) August 17, 2026

Pasquantino has been out of the lineup since July 28 with a wrist injury. Garcia had been sidelined for a longer time with a muscle strain, not appearing since June 22. 

Thomas was claimed off waivers from the Athletics on August 4 and made three appearances in Omaha before his callup to the Royals. In those three appearances, Thomas threw 2 ⅔ innings with a 6.75 ERA.

Garcia’s return makes Rojas a surplus in the infield. Pasquantino’s return will allow Jac Caglianone to shift back to right field, making less room for Marte. Marte’s season in Kansas City has been underwhelming with a slash line of .242/.298/.314 with a 71 wRC+ and -0.5 fWAR. Marte’s DFA leaves one spot open on the 40-man roster.

Cuas’s recent stint on the major-league roster was strong with no earned runs in 4 ⅔ innings pitched over five appearances.

The Royals return home for a seven-game home stand after a West Coast road trip. Both Pasquantino and Garcia return to the starting lineup to face the Athletics tonight at Kauffman Stadium.

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