Royals recall Cuthbert to replace Coleman

KANSAS CITY -- The Royals recalled third baseman Cheslor Cuthbert and optioned infielder Dusty Coleman to Triple-A on Friday.

The move came one day after Coleman pinch-hit in the ninth inning of the Royals' 4-3 loss to the Cardinals. Coleman struck out with runners on second and third and none out, failing to get the tying run home.

Asked why the Royals made the roster move, Royals manager Ned Yost said, "Just wanted to get more offense. And we're looking at these lefties coming [for Houston] and looking to give Moose [Mike Moustakas] and Hoz [Eric Hosmer] a day off."

Cuthbert, Kansas City's No. 14 prospect per MLB Pipeline, appeared in this year's SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game, and he is batting .272 with 17 doubles, eight homers and 38 RBIs with the Storm Chasers.

The move means the Royals will go without a backup middle infielder, though Cuthbert was drafted as a shortstop and has played some games in the Minors at second base.

"I feel comfortable at second base," Cuthbert said. "It would be OK."

If shortstop Alcides Escobar were to get hurt, either Cuthbert or second baseman Omar Infante could take over at the position and get the team through a game, Yost said.

This is Cuthbert's second stint with the Royals -- just before the All-Star break he played in four games here and went 5-for-15 with a triple and two RBIs.

The Royals did consider bringing utility infielder Christian Colon back from Omaha where he was sent to get regular at-bats.

"Yes, there was consideration of him," Yost said. "Right now, we're just managing our situation day to day. He'll be here soon.

"We still want to take advantage of him playing there every day. There's not a real need right now here."