Image credit: Charlie Riedel, Associated Press

The Kansas City Royals announced two roster moves on Thursday. Following Wednesday’s victory that saw starter Alec Marsh leave the game, he’s been placed on the 15-day IL. Marsh took a comebacker to the mound that hit him on the forearm. Luckily, per reports, x-rays were negative and he should hopefully return in short order once his time on the injured list is up. It made sense for the Royals to ensure Marsh was fully healthy before returning to the mound.

The team’s starting rotation has been excellent to start the year and the bullpen is as well-rested as you could hope thanks to the consistent innings the starting rotation has provided. With Marsh now slated to miss at least two or three starts, the fifth spot in the rotation will likely turn to some combination of Angel Zerpa, Matt Sauer, or Jordan Lyles. Manager Matt Quatraro used an opener often in 2023 and could do the same to fill the final spot in the rotation temporarily.

In a corresponding move, the Royals announced they have promoted reliever and prospect Will Klein from Triple-A Omaha. Klein, who ranks as our 16th prospect, is yet to allow an earned run this season over 11.0 innings pitched for the Storm Chasers. His first appearance will mark the Major League Debut for Klein. MLB Pipeline’s 2021 Pitching Prospect of the Year for the Royals, Klein appeared in the MLB Future’s Game last summer in Seattle. He throws an upper-90s four-seamer and pairs that with a cutter and a curveball.