The Royals recalled utility player Samad Taylor from Triple-A Omaha this afternoon. Nate Eaton was optioned in a corresponding move.
Taylor, acquired from the Blue Jays as part of last summer’s Whit Merrifield swap, is in the big leagues for the first time. The 24-year-old was added to Kansas City’s 40-man roster last offseason to keep him out of the Rule 5 draft. He’s spent this entire season on optional assignment to Omaha. The righty-swinging Taylor has had an excellent start for the Storm Chasers, hitting .304/.409/.463 in 62 games. He’s walking at a huge 14.1% clip against a solid 19.6% strikeout rate.
Listed at 5’8″, Taylor doesn’t have huge power. He’s an up-the-middle defender who has split his time between second base and center field. Taylor also has plus speed and has already stolen 34 bags in Triple-A this year. He’s not in tonight’s starting lineup against the Angels but could factor in off the bench.
How can he be recalled if it is his first time up?
“Recall” is just the term for a promotion of any player who was already on the 40-man roster. Taylor’s demotion (being optioned to the minors) technically occurred during Spring Training. A recall distinguishes the move from a contract selection, which is when a player is added to the 40-man roster.
Maybe a poor mans Whit Merrifield?
I want to stick my head into the KC locker room and shout, “Hey guys!! I have good news and bad news. The good news is Jordan Lyles is very durable!!” Salvy yells, “What’s the bad?!!!” My response: “Jordan Lyles is very durable…….and he’s signed through 2024.” (rimshot followed by canned laughter)
Great news, thinking waters needs to go down. Maybe when Isbel is back. MJ’s swing looking long, he does way better when he has a ball or two on him (ie not power swing). KC bout to turn it around, look out~
Isbel is on his rehab assignment in Omaha and starting off well… I agree I think Waters will/should head back down and learn to lay off breaking balls in the dirt. Samad got to be the hero in his debut which was awesome to see! When you’re a Royals fan you take all the bright spots you can get these days.
If Taylor doesn’t to well at the start, you don’t have to get Samad about it.