Kansas City Royals: Salvador Perez activated for Rockies series

The prodigal son has returned for the Kansas City Royals. Catcher Salvador Perez was activated from the disabled list and will start Tuesday night’s game.

The Kansas City Royals made the announcement on Tuesday that fans have been waiting for weeks to hear: Salvador Perez is back.

His presence behind the plate has been sorely missed since he was placed on the disabled list with an intercostal injury on August 6.

The combination of Drew Butera and Cam Gallagher did an admirable job of replacing Perez’s offensive production. During Perez’s absence, Butera had his first career four-hit game and Gallagher hit a grand slam.

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However, defensively the four-time Gold Glove winner proved irreplaceable. Butera, in particular, had his struggles keeping balls in front of him.

With Perez returning to the active roster, Gallagher was sent down to Triple-A Omaha to make room. With rosters set to expand in September, expect Gallagher to rejoin the Kansas City Royals at that point.

Some fans would probably argue Gallagher deserves the backup catcher spot over Butera. But given the circumstances, this was the only move that made sense. There is no reason to carry three catchers on a 25-man roster. Gallagher has options; Butera has none.

The Kansas City Royals didn’t really have a choice.

Perez will start at catcher and bat fifth against Jon Gray in the series-opener against the Colorado Rockies.

Perez is in the midst of one of his best offensive seasons. He has a .278 batting average to go with 21 home runs and 65 runs driven in. The 21 homers puts him one away from tying his career-high set last year. Although, he remains 14 away from equaling his top RBI total set way back in 2013.

In an unrelated move, the Kansas City Royals activated Paulo Orlando from the 60-day DL and optioned him to Omaha. The team placed Miguel Almonte on the 60-day DL with a right cotar cuff strain in the necessary corresponding move.

Next: What are the Royals' Postseason Chances?

So what do Royals fans expect from Perez in his first game back? Does he make the team favorites to grab the second American League Wild Card spot? Let us know what impact you think he will make in the comments.