Predicting KC Royals' September call-ups thanks to MLB expanded rosters in 2024

UPDATE: After this story published, the KC Royals announced that Vinnie Pasquantino's injury has been diagnosed as a broken thumb and he could be out for several weeks. The team has not yet announced a diagnosis for Lucas Erceg's injury.

Today and Saturday are the last August days of the 2024 major league season. That means it's just about time for September roster expansion, that intriguing moment when baseball suspends its roster rules limiting each club, including the Royals, to 26 active players as soon as Saturday becomes Sunday.

Expansion could definitely help the Royals, whose starting rotation is beginning to show signs of wear and tear while their bullpen remains trapped in the inconsistency that's plagued the club all season. Adding players just might boost the club's already promising playoff chances, especially considering the present, but hopefully soon-to-be-resolved, uncertainty surrounding the apparent injuries Vinnie Pasquantino and Lucas Erceg suffered Thursday night in Houston.

Critical, then, are the roster decisions about to be made by general manager J.J. Picollo and his lieutenants as they plot strategy for the Royals' pursuit of postseason play.

What do MLB extended rosters look like in 2024?

September roster expansion rules aren't complicated. After the clock strikes Midnight Saturday night, all 30 teams can immediately add two players to their 26-man rosters without having to make room for them with corresponding moves.

As easy as it seems, though, September roster expansion isn't without restrictions — clubs' post-expansion active rosters can't include more than 14 pitchers. The Royals are currently carrying 13 pitchers, so they can only add one via expansion.

Finally, the Royals can still make other roster moves, but not without adhering to September's 28-man limit.

But that's not all there is to determining which pair of players will join the team Sunday...