The Royals on Monday recalled right-hander Kevin McCarthy and optioned right-hander Miguel Almonte to Triple-A Omaha.
Almonte was called up last Tuesday and scheduled to make a spot start filling in for Nate Karns on Thursday against the Yankees in a game that was postponed due to rain. He would've been in line to pitch Tuesday, but tossed one inning on Sunday against the Indians, giving up three earned runs on four hits and a walk.
This marks the 25-year-old McCarthy's first callup of 2017. He pitched 8 1/3 innings in 10 outings last year as a September callup, posting a 6.48 ERA with seven strikeouts and five walks. Over parts of five Minor League seasons, he's compiled a 2.91 ERA with 22 saves. Manager Ned Yost mentioned during Spring Training that McCarthy and Jake Junis could contribute at the MLB level.
The Royals have not yet named a starter for Tuesday's game against the Tigers.