Nick

Loftin

If Gurriel is forced to the IL, the Royals presumably would recall Nick Loftin, who probably ought to be with the team anyway. The team would likely often use Freddy Fermin at catcher and Salvador Perez at first base.

The Royals are bringing up a host of new players, so Loftin is getting the boot from the active roster. The 25-year-old could be back before the end of the season, but he hasn’t played well enough to justify consideration even if it takes place.

The 25-year-old infielder will help to fill the massive void that the Royals are facing at first base after Vinnie Pasquantino (thumb) landed on the injured list on Friday. Loftin has struggled in his time with the Royals this season, slashing just .199/.294/.248 with one homer and 13 RBI in 141 at-bats.

Loftin heads back to the minors after Kansas City made a handful of moves at Tuesday’s trade deadline. The 25-year-old has struggled to a .543 OPS with one homer in 54 games this season at the highest level.

It looks to be nothing more than a routine night off for the speedy 24-year-old infielder. Nick Loftin will start in his place at the hot corner and will bat seventh for the Royals against soft-tossing right-hander Kyle Hendricks on Friday evening in Kansas City.

Loftin was serving as the Royals’ starting second baseman until Monday, when Michael Massey’s return as a DH and CJ Alexander’s promotion resulted in Maikel Garcia moving to second and Loftin hitting the bench. Loftin is back out there today, but he’s playing Garcia’s old spot, with Garcia remaining at second. At this rate, it’s easy to imagine Loftin getting sent back to Triple-A when Massey is deemed ready to return to the field or when Adam Frazier comes off the IL, whichever happens first.

No word yet on the reason for the change. It’ll be Nelson Velásquez taking over at designated hitter and Nick Loftin moving up to the leadoff spot in Frazier’s absence during Sunday’s game against the Rangers.

Loftin’s homer came in his 160th plate appearance since he debuted last year. He’s batting .253/.351/.304 in 95 plate appearances while helping to fill in for Michael Massey this season. That’s definitely a bigger contribution than Adam Frazier has made thus far, but Loftin is still probably going to be optioned out once Massey returns.

Loftin is back with the Royals with Michael Massey (back) placed on the 10-day injured list. Loftin hit .276 in his 29 at-bats while Massey was out previously, and is worth roster consideration in AL-only formats.

Loftin did a nice job filling in for Michael Massey by going 8-for-29 (.276 AVG) with six RBI and only five strike outs. The 25-year-old could have another opportunity if there is another injury to Kansas City’s infield. The Royals didn’t announce it, but with this move, it’s more likely than not that Michael Massey will return from the injured list and start his season against the Orioles this weekend.