Royals to promote Jeison Guzman to the active roster

The Royals have added infielder Jeison Guzman to the 28-man active roster, replacing pitcher Chance Adams, who was optioned on Sunday. The 21-year old has drawn rave reviews for his defense at shortstop, but has yet to develop his bat and has not played above Low-A ball. Last year, for Lexington, he hit .253/.296/.373 with 7 home runs in 490 plate appearances and 15 steals in 28 attempts.

Guzman was added to the 40-man roster last winter to protect him from the Rule 5 draft, so the front office must think fairly high of him. With Erick Mejia being optioned out last week, the Royals were without a true reserve infielder behind Adalberto Mondesi and Nicky Lopez, with only Whit Merrifield able to play up the middle. Guzman brings a left-handed bat and a good glove, although we will have to see if he is overmatched taking this big of a jump to the big league level.

Manager Mike Matheny also announced that outfielder Franchy Cordero underwent a procedure for his right hamate bone in his wrist. Cordero was placed on the 45-day Injured List over the weekend.