Royals Make Roster Decisions Ahead of Athletics Series

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.