Kansas City Royals recall Drew Waters, Nick Pratto from Triple-A Omaha. Here’s why

The Kansas City Royals made two pivotal roster moves Tuesday, recalling Drew Waters and Nick Pratto from Triple-A Omaha.

Both were available for action Tuesday evening in the second game of a four-game series at Kauffman Stadium against the New York Yankees. Pratto, in fact, pitched as a position player and even struck out a batter. Waters went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts.

“I’m excited,” Waters said before the game. “Obviously, any time you have the opportunity to put on a big-league uniform, it’s an exciting day and exciting game. You know, I’m just looking to go out there and compete and play hard. Try to help in any way that I can.”

In a corresponding move, the Royals placed outfielder Hunter Renfroe on the 10-day injured list and infielder Adam Frazier on the bereavement list.

Renfroe fractured his left big toe on Monday night when he fouled two baseballs off his foot during a 12-pitch at-bat against Yankees starter Carlos Rodón.

The Royals pulled Renfroe from the game in the fifth inning. MJ Melendez, who didn’t start Monday, was inserted into the lineup in his place.

Prior to Tuesday’s game, Renfroe continued to receive additional tests. KC is hopeful for good news as he gets evaluated by the medical staff.

“They are going to get one more exam, and we will have a better idea tomorrow,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said.

Waters has drawn a lot of interest in recent weeks. Some fans have clamored for him to get another big-league opportunity after he posted a .834 OPS (on-base plus slugging) with the Omaha Storm Chasers.

Waters has the physical tools to carve out a key role with the Royals. This season, he has shown the ability to hit consistently for an extended period: He’s hit .277 with 52 hits, seven home runs, 33 RBIs and nine steals in 50 Triple-A games.

Pratto has produced similar numbers, belting seven home runs in 53 games with the Storm Chasers. He’s racked up 16 hits and 20 RBIs with runners in scoring position this season.

“It took me by surprise a little bit,” Pratto said of receiving his promotion. “Obviously, I am not like on the ground here, so I don’t know what’s going on. But, I just knew if I did get the call and when, I am ready to go.”

It’s likely the Royals will employ a platoon with Renfroe sidelined.

Both Pratto and Waters have the ability to play multiple positions. They will be in a potential rotational mix with Dairon Blanco and Garrett Hampson off the bench.

“Drew was a big part of what we anticipated going into this year,” Quatraro said. “We didn’t know what the timetable would be. He went down there and did everything he could do to put himself in a position to be ready to come back up. Now, it’s time to perform.”

The Royals could utilize Pratto’s power in a reserve role. He is another left-handed option for maximizing advantageous matchups against opposing relievers.

“Statistically, (I’m) not necessarily where I want to be, but I feel like l’m in a good spot,” Pratto said. “Just got to kind of keep working. It’s one of those things where I can’t go searching for results down there (when in Triple-A). I just got to make sure I’m prepared every day.”

Pratto has 14 career home runs in the major leagues. He last appeared in a game for the Royals on Oct. 1, 2023 — also against the Yankees at Kauffman Stadium.

This spring, Pratto said he regained his swing after an injury-plagued 2023 campaign. Now he has a chance to carve out a role and spark the Royals’ lineup.

“I haven’t had a day where I’ve been questionable or thought about the hip or anything,” Pratto said. “So, it’s been pleasant to be out there every day and not worried about something happening. I feel strong and feel ready to go.”