MJ Melendez sent down among roster moves to accommodate trade acquisitions

MJ Melendez is shipped out.

A day after adding three pitchers and an outfielder, the Royals made corresponding roster moves for their game tonight against the Blue Jays. MJ Melendez was optioned to Triple-A Omaha and outfielder Joey Wiemer was designated for assignment.

The Royals also moved pitcher Kris Bubic to the 60-day Injured List. Earlier this week they announced he would miss the rest of the season with a rotator cuff injury. Nick Loftin also returns from the 7-day concussion Injury List. Stephen Kolek, acquired from the Padres yesterday, will be assigned to Triple-A. Joining the active roster are pitchers Ryan Bergert and Bailey Falter, and outfielder Mike Yastrzemski.

So as far as the active roster:

In:

• P Ryan Bergert (from San Diego)
• P Bailey Falter (from Pittsburgh)
• IF Nick Loftin (off the IL)
• OF Mike Yastrzemski (from San Francisco)

Out:

• C Freddy Fermin (traded to San Diego)
• OF MJ Melendez (optioned to Triple-A)

The Royals will still have to make two roster moves to make room for Bergert and Falter when they join the team. That would likely be Jonathan Bowlan, who still has options, and Thomas Hatch, who does not.

And when it comes to the 40-man roster:

In:

• P Ryan Bergert (from San Diego)
• P Bailey Falter (from Pittsburgh)
• P Stephen Kolek (frrom San Diego)
• OF Mike Yastrzemski (from San Francisco)

Out:

• P Kris Bubic (60-day IL)
• C Freddy Fermin (traded to San Diego)
• P Evan Sisk (traded to Pittsburgh)
• OF Joey Wiemer (DFA’d)

Melendez was recalled on July 23 to replace Loftin, and went 1-for-13 in seven games, the only hit being a bloop single on Tuesday. For the year, he is hitting 5-for-60 (.083) with the Royals.

With Fermin traded to San Diego, the Royals will have Luke Maile serve as the backup catcher, so don’t expect top prospect Carter Jensen to be promoted quite yet.

Yastrzemski is in the starting lineup tonight, hitting sixth.