Al Alburquerque up; Matt Strahm to the 60-day DL

The Royals have recalled pitcher Al Alburquerque from AAA Omaha and have optioned Eric Skoglund to the minors. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Royals have placed pitcher Matt Strahm on the 60-day disabled list. He would be eligible to return August 30, according to Kansas City Star reporter Rustin Dodd. Strahm injured his knee in the first game of Saturday’s doubleheader, an injury that was later diagnosed as a torn patellar tendon. That injury typically takes six months to recover from. According to Dodd, the Royals are getting a second opinion and surgery may be necessary.

The Royals bullpen is taxed after working 15 innings over the last two days.

Alburquerque was up earlier with the Royals and allowed three runs in four innings with six strikeouts. In 26 innings with Omaha, he had a 2.08 ERA with 28 strikeouts and just five walks. He last pitched on Thursday for the Storm Chasers.

The Royals take on the Seattle Mariners tonight with Ian Kennedy on the mound.