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

Expect Injured List considerations to impact expansion decisions

The Royals should know sometime today whether Pasquantino or Erceg — or both — will require visits to the IL, so any roster moves concerning them will be made before September roster expansion decisions. For example, the Royals could call Nick Pratto up from Omaha to replace Pasquantino, and a reliever to fill in for Erceg if necessary.

But even without those issues, Picollo, manager Matt Quatraro, and the rest of the Royal brain trust can't ignore the Injured List when considering what expansion moves to make. Because four players the club may count on down the stretch are on that List, decisions can't be made without taking their potential return timetables into account.

Take Hunter Renfroe, for example. A hamstring strain put him on the 10-day IL Aug. 21; he's expected back soon, and the club's clear preference for him in right field means he'll be back on the roster. The Royals are well-set with outfielders until then, so does it make sense to bring up another Sunday?

How about relievers Hunter Harvey and Will Smith? It's not entirely clear when, or if, their back problems will allow them to return; even if it's soon enough for them to pitch much in September, should their respective struggles — Harvey has given up four runs and eight hits in 5.2 innings since joining the club via a mid-July trade with Washington, and offseason signee Smith has disappointed most of the year. Do the Royals even need them back?

Then there's Michael Lorenzen, whose status for the rest of the season is unclear after he went on the 15-day IL Wednesday with a hamstring strain. Should Kansas City count on him getting back; if not, should it add a starter Sunday?

The KC Royals should add two players with major league experience

With Kansas City so in the thick of the chase for American League playoff spots, players who've seen big league action should get first consideration. They're preferable to rookies who haven't experienced the pressures of The Show.

So, who's likely to join the club Sunday?