Jose Guillen Activated, Brayan Pena Designated

Jose Guillen was activated from the DL and was back in the lineup tonight.  He finished the game 0-2 with a walk.

To make room for Guillen on the major league roster, the Royals designated C-Brayan Pena for assignment.  The 27 year old Pena was hitting .286 with 2 doubles in 7 at bats this season.

It’s sad to see Pena go, but it makes more sense for the Royals to keep Maier.  Having a legitimate 4th outfielder, apologies to Willie Bloomquist, on the roster is more reasonable than keeping a 3rd catcher who has only been given 7 at bats in 16 games.

If Pena isn’t claimed off waivers by another organization within 10 days the Royals will assuredly offer him a roster spot in Triple-A.  The big question is whether or not Pena will accept the chance to remain with the Royals or become a free agent.  My expectation is that he will be claimed by another team so he probably won’t ever have to make that decision.