Royals activate Mike Moustakas, option Cheslor Cuthbert to Omaha

The Royals have activated third baseman Mike Moustakas from the disabled list and optioned infielder Cheslor Cuthbert to AAA Omaha. Moustakas had been out since May 5 with a thumb fracture. With Athletics outfielder Josh Reddick expected to miss 4-6 weeks with his fractured thumb, the Royals were fortunate to only miss Moustakas for two weeks. Moustakas had spent two games on rehab assignment with AA Northwest Arkansas, going 2-for-8 with three strikeouts.

Cuthbert gets sent down after hitting .255/.269/.373 with 1 HR 3 RBI in 13 games. The 23-year old impressed many with his defense, and was able to to show some pop. Rustin Dodd at the Kansas City Star speculates that Cuthbert could begin to see more reps at second base in Omaha, to increase his positional versatility. Cuthbert has played just three games at second base in his minor league career.

Mike Moustakas was off to the best start to a season in his career, hitting .258/.314/.536 with 7 HR 13 RBI in 25 games.