July 5: LHP Walter Pennington selected from Triple-A Omaha; RHP Carlos Hernández optioned to Triple-A Omaha; RHP Dan Altavilla transferred to 60-day injured list
In an effort to give their bullpen a fresh arm and one of the top strike-throwers in the Minor Leagues, the Royals promoted Pennington on Friday ahead of the series opener at Coors Field -- which just so happens to be 15 miles away from Pennington's hometown of Broomfield, Colo., and the home of the Rockies, the team Pennington grew up rooting for. Now, he's set to make his MLB debut sometime over the weekend.
"It's complete elation," Pennington said. "I grew up here. I was dreaming of being a professional baseball player, and it all started right here at this stadium. Now, making it come true is a dream come true."
Pennington played college baseball and graduated from the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colo., just 20 miles west of Coors Field. He went undrafted in 2020 -- when the Draft was five rounds -- and was signed by the Royals in August by Kansas area scout Matt Price after he saw Pennington pitch in an independent and summer ball tournament in Wichita.
Pennington steadily rose through the Royals' system and really burst onto the scene this year after an invite to big league Spring Training. In 32 games with Omaha this year, Pennington has a 2.35 ERA and 76 strikeouts in 53 2/3 innings.
"He's been really good against lefties," manager Matt Quatraro said. "He's been good against righties as well, and he can provide length. He's very versatile. … [Strike-throwing] is what we prioritize and stress getting guys ahead of hitters. And he's done that all year."
Pennington replaces Hernández, who has struggled to find the zone since he returned to Kansas City at the end of June. To make room of the 40-man roster for Pennington, the Royals transferred Altavilla to the 60-day IL as the righty recovers from an oblique/lat strain suffered on June 20.
July 5: INF Adam Frazier reinstated from 10-day IL; CJ Alexander optioned to Triple-A OmahaAfter just one game on a rehab assignment, in which he went 0-for-4 with a strikeout for Double-A Northwest Arkansas, Frazier is back with the Royals and healed from his right thumb strain he suffered on June 22 in Texas.
Frazier wasn't in the lineup Friday because of lefty Kyle Freeland on the mound for the Rockies, but Quatraro said the veteran utilityman will be available off the bench and will see time playing second base, the outfield and as a pinch-hitter like he did before the injury.