Five Potential September Callups for the Royals

Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

2. Francisco Pena

Francisco Pena already had his debut with the Royals this season, getting into one inning of action while Salvador Perez was injured. Although he has yet to receive a major league at bat, Pena already made his presence felt by throwing out the only baserunner who attempted to steal against him. Even if he never plays another game at the big league level, Pena can always claim that he was perfect when it came to throwing out major league base stealers.

Yet, Pena is likely to have more than that one appearance, as his minor league numbers have been impressive. Signed by the Royals as a minor league free agent, Pena has truly exploded in Omaha. For the year, he has produced a .257/.298/.556 batting line, walking only 16 times in 330 plate appearances. Yet, there is that last number – the .556 slugging percentage., fueled by Pena’s 26 home runs on the season.

In his minor league career before this season, Francisco Pena never hit more than eight home runs in a year. He has annihilated that mark with those 26 long balls, as he has suddenly turned into a power hitter, even taking part in the AAA Home Run Derby. On a team where Salvador Perez leads the team with 15 home runs, that power production could be very useful for the Royals. Having a potential power bat on the bench if needed as a pinch hitter, or having Pena as an option to let Perez have a games as the Royals designated hitter, could pay dividends in the stretch run.

It is not often that a third string catcher can make an impact. However, if that power production can translate at the major league level, Pena has a chance to do just that.