MINNEAPOLIS -- Royals infielder Christian Colon could exhale again Saturday when he got the news that he'd made the 25-man roster.
After Raul Mondesi was named the starting second baseman earlier last week, the final roster spot came down to Colon or Whit Merrifield, who was optioned to Triple-A. Colon is out of options.
"Of course, it's a relief," Colon said. "It really came down to me and Whit. It's a sense of relief that I'm still with this group and will be able to help us win."
A lot of thoughts danced through Colon's mind last week.
"I was getting ready for whatever, being traded to another team or clearing waivers and being sent to Omaha, or making the team," Colon said. "My family was prepared for anything.
"This happens in baseball to a lot of guys. I thank the coaching staff and everyone for [me] still being here."

Colon still would prefer to be starting.
"I'll always strive to play every day," he said. "I think I can play every day. With that being said, this is a role I'm doing right now. I put my ego aside and help the team win."
Soler takes fly balls
Outfielder Jorge Soler, on the 10-day disabled list with a left oblique strain sustained late in Spring Training, has resumed baseball activities. Soler took some fly balls Monday at Target Field before the game.
"I feel really good right now," Soler said through interpreter Pedro Grifol. "I was able to do some stuff outside today. In three or four days, I might take some dry swings."
Soler was hurt during an at-bat in a Minor League game.
"I took a swing and I felt like something [pop] there," he said. "It has happened before but nothing like that.
"It is frustrating having it happen this close to the season, but that happens."