Royals activate Holland, send Pino to Omaha

KANSAS CITY -- Royals closer Greg Holland was activated off the disabled list following Tuesday night's 5-3 victory over the Indians at Kauffman Stadium.

"He's fine and he's ready to go," manager Ned Yost said before the series opener. "We're just trying to give Chris Young an extra day of rest."

Video: CLE@KC: Royals' broadcast talks Holland's status

Young threw five innings in an emergency start on Friday and will resume the long-relief role on Wednesday.Yohan Pino was optioned to Triple-A Omaha to make room for Holland.

Escobar feeling better
Yost also indicated that shortstop Alcides Escobar, who is on the seven-day disabled list, was improving, but he wasn't a lock to be activated on Thursday when he is eligible.

Video: KC@CLE: Escobar leaves the game after being hit

"He still has to clear tests by the league," Yost said. "The fogginess in his eyes is gone and he's doing a lot better. But it's not up to us."

Rios closer to return
Outfielder Alex Rios, on the disabled list with a broken left hand, could start testing the hand by swinging a bat this week. But it's likely that Rios is still two weeks away from being activated, which probably will come after a short rehab stint in the Minors.