Manuel Pina Optioned Upon Brayan Pena’s Return

The Royals are committing to Salvador Perez for the rest of the year, it seems. If you saw his debut on Wednesday, it’s clear why. Perez got his first major league hit, RBI, run and picked off two runners.

When Brayan Pena was eligible to return from paternity leave, the Royals had a logjam at catcher.

Lost in the shuffle of the Kyle Davies arrest news breaking, Manuel Pina was optioned back to Omaha.

Pina spent 11 days in the big leagues, collecting three hits in 14 at bats and throwing out one of the two runners who tried to steal on him.  He’ll possibly be back up in September if Matt Treanor hasn’t been cleared to return to action after suffering a concussion.

When Treanor returns, it’s uncertain if Pena will keep his roster spot.  Perez should see the bulk of the playing time behind the plate, and having Pina around as insurance gives the Royals options.  Treanor provides veteran leadership, Pina is a superior defender than Pena, and Perez is looking like a catching savant already.