Royals finalize roster with Boyer, Goins
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The Royals finalized their 25-man roster prior to their Opening Day game against the White Sox on Thursday, selecting pitcher Blaine Boyer and infielder Ryan Goins, while recalling catcher Cam Gallagher from Triple-A Omaha.
To make space for those three, the Royals placed pitcher Nate Karns, catcher Salvador Perez, infielder Adalberto Mondesi and outfielder Bubba Starling on the 10-day disabled list. All players' DL stints are retroactive to Monday, making them eligible to return to action on April 5, though Perez is expected to miss four to six weeks with a torn left MCL.
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In a corresponding move, Kansas City designated pitchers Wily Peralta and Kyle Zimmer for assignment.
Boyer, 36, posted a 4.35 ERA in 32 appearances for the Red Sox last season, with 33 strikeouts and 14 walks in 41 1/3 innings. The righty will join Kelvin Herrera, Brandon Maurer, Ryan Buchter and Miguel Almonte in the Royals' rebuilt bullpen in 2018.
The slick-fielding Goins should be a good utility fit for Kansas City, getting significant playing time in the infield behind Whit Merrifield and Cheslor Cuthbert. The 30-year-old is a career .228/.275/.335 hitter in five seasons in the big leagues.