Salvador Perez to Return to Royals

Once Salvador Perez was sent to Omaha for rehab, it was only a matter of time, so the news that he’s set to be activated from the 60 day disabled list following his spring knee surgery isn’t shocking.

But it sure feels like a boost.

The saga started earlier tonight as the Omaha Storm Chasers set their lineup. Perez was in as the DH but a couple of notables tweeted that Sal was no longer in the lineup, nor listed as available off the bench.

His agent also confirmed that he’s headed to Kansas City.*

*Thanks to reader Jon Saddler for pointing out that the tweet from Sal’s agent has since been deleted. The Royals are notable for preventing leaks from the front office so they must have made a friendly phone call…

Perez started his rehab assignment on June 7 and could have remained in Omaha, barring setbacks, until the 27th. So again, it was just a matter of time, but Perez returns with the Royals starting to pick up steam and about to open a series against the Cardinals that’s very nearly sold out.

No announcement has been made by the team yet, but that’s often due to no corresponding move being finalized. Because Perez is coming off the 60 day disabled list, the Royals must clear a spot on the 40 man roster either by trade, designating someone for assignment or moving a player to the 60 day disabled list from the 15 day. The Royals could keep three catchers for a while, but ultimately, one of Humberto Quintero or Brayan Pena will have to go. Pena is the popular choice by fans to stay. Quintero is the more likely, if for no other reason than he was acquired this spring in a trade that sent two minor leaguers with potential to the Astros and the Royals may want to justify the deal by keeping him as the backup.

Perez had 17 hits in 50 at bats during his rehab stint and caught in eight of the twelve games he saw in Omaha.