Kansas City Royals claim outfielders Tommy Pham & Robbie Grossman for postseason run

The Kansas City Royals have found some late-season help for their playoff push.

KC claimed veteran outfielder Tommy Pham off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday.

Pham, 36, is expected to join the Royals after beginning the season with the Chicago White Sox. He is hitting .254 with seven home runs and 31 RBIs.

The Royals looked to fill a need within their lineup. On Thursday, Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino broke his right thumb against the Houston Astros. He is expected to miss the remainder of the regular season. The Royals estimate his timeline to return is six to eight weeks.

Pham can fill in during the short term. He is a capable outfielder and has experience batting in the leadoff spot. The Royals could utilize him in a variety of roles to help strengthen the lineup.

The Royals are also without outfielder Hunter Renfroe, who is on the injured list with a strained hamstring. He is expected to be back soon to help fortify the lineup.

Pham is another veteran to help the Royals in their playoff pursuit. Prior to Saturday’s action, KC sat 2.5 games behind the Cleveland Guardians in the American League Central.

Additionally, the Royals have claimed switch-hitting outfielder Robbie Grossman.

Grossman, 34, is hitting .227 with three homers and 14 RBIs. He has played for the Chicago White Sox and Texas Rangers this season.

Both moves come ahead of rosters expanding on Sept. 1. MLB teams are permitted to have 28 players (14 pitchers, 14 position players) for the final month.