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

Here's the pitcher the KC Royals should recall

Seth Lugo and Cole Ragans, two of Kansas City's four primary starters — those hurlers who've been in the rotation all season — have already established career marks for innings pitched. Brady Singer is only 16 innings short of his career-high, and although Michael Wacha probably won't equal his biggest workload of 181.1 innings, at 139 through 24 starts he could come close.

Picollo would be wise, then, to add a starter to the mix Sunday. Assuming he isn't called up today if Erceg goes on the IL, the logical choice is Alec Marsh, who the club recalled to serve as its 27th man for Monday's doubleheader with Cleveland, and who was 7-7 as KC's fifth starter before heading to Triple-A Omaha in late July to refine some things.

Here's the position player the Royals may bring up

Although such a move won't please everyone, Drew Waters is a likely choice. Yes, Waters, who's hit well at Omaha since joining the organization two years ago, but hasn't in Kansas City when tried there. Many consider Waters trapped in Triple-A because he hasn't yet handled big league pitching, but he can play anywhere in the outfield and brings speed, one of the club's prized commodities, to the basepaths.

Picollo has choices. We may not agree with the decisions he makes this weekend, but we'll find out what they are Sunday.

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