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Royals Promote 3B Hunter Dozier To Kansas City

By John Viril

Mar 13, 2016; Surprise, AZ, USA; Kansas City Royals third baseman Hunter Dozier (60) throws the ball to first base during the second inning against the Cleveland Indians at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 13, 2016; Surprise, AZ, USA; Kansas City Royals third baseman Hunter Dozier (60) throws the ball to first base during the second inning against the Cleveland Indians at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Royals called up third baseman Hunter Dozier from AAA Omaha on Friday, even though his AAA season does not end until September 5. He will be in uniform to start Kansas City’s critical series against the Detroit Tigers Friday night.

The KC Royals sent utility infielder Christian Colon to Omaha on August 31 in order to make room for extra bullpen help in Scott Alexander and Brooks Pounders. This decision came after a 10-inning, 5-4  loss to the Yankees in which manager Ned Yost emptied his bullpen. But, the move left Kansas City short on infield depth.

Bringing up 25-year-old Hunter Dozier solves that problem. While not a utility infielder like Colon, Dozier has played at first, third, and in the outfield at Omaha. Dozier has enjoyed a breakthrough season at the plate hitting a combined .296/.366/.533 with 44 doubles, 1 triple, and 23 home runs with 75 RBIs at AA NW Arkansas and AAA Omaha this season. Dozier is hitting .294/.357/.506 at Omaha in 434 at bats.

Dozier’s season follows two lost years stuck at AA NW Arkansas in which the former no. 8 overall pick (2013) made little progress. But, he crushed the AA Texas League this spring by slashing .305/.400/.642 in 110 at bats to earn a quick promotion to Omaha.

Hunter Dozier’s brother Devin posted the news on Twitter on Friday:

Dozier is not on the 40-man roster, but Kansas City could move Luke Hochevar from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day DL to make room. In any case, the KC Royals will have to protect Dozier this winter.

The Royals could also make other moves in the near future that include recently acquired outfielder Daniel Nava, utility infielder Christian Colon, outfielder Jorge Bonifacio, second baseman Whit Merrifield, outfielder Terrance Gore, and pitchers Jason Vargas and Kris Medlen. Since both Medlen and Vargas are on the 60-day disable list, the Kansas City Royals will have to clear room to activate both players.

Next: KC Sends Eight Players To The Arizona Fall League

However, the KC Royals could hold off on many of those call-ups until after AAA Omaha’s season ends September 5.

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