The Kansas City Royals added catcher Luke Maile from Triple-A Omaha Friday, necessitated by a hip injury affecting Salvador Perez.
The team made the move prior to their game against the Orioles at Camden Yards. In a corresponding transaction, the Royals optioned infielder Tyler Tolbert to Omaha.
Perez exited Thursday's game against Tampa Bay and was out of the lineup Friday. Manager Matt Quatraro indicated the issue is lingering left hip soreness that flared up.
The soreness is not a new development for Perez, who had appeared in 31 of the team's first 32 games. He had recently improved his hitting performance after a slow start to the season.
Luke Maile is a nine-year MLB veteran. He was performing well in Omaha, hitting .286 with one home run in 12 games this season. He provides backup depth at catcher while Perez recovers.
Salvador Perez has split starting duties behind the plate with Freddy Fermin this season, while also appearing at first base and as the designated hitter. Fermin has also seen his hitting improve recently.
Tolbert had appeared in 13 games with the Royals, primarily as a pinch-hitter. He recorded no hits in five plate appearances but was perfect in stolen base attempts.
To create room on the 40-man roster for Maile, pitcher Alec Marsh was transferred to the 60-day Injured List. Marsh suffered right shoulder soreness in spring training and experienced a setback in his rehabilitation.
Manager Matt Quatraro addressed the situation with Perez.
“It isn't new,” Quatraro said. “It's the same hip soreness that he's had. We feel really fortunate that there wasn't something new. So it's just -- I won't say just -- but it's day to day, and hopefully we can stay away from him for a couple days catching-wise, and that's why we activated Maile.”
