SURPRISE, Ariz. -- On the final day of the Cactus League schedule, the Royals’ roster became clear.

Utilityman Nick Loftin, outfielder Dairon Blanco and reliever Matt Sauer will break camp with the Royals, manager Matt Quatraro said before Saturday’s 1-1 tie with the Rangers at Surprise Stadium, filling out the final spots of the 26-man roster.

Second baseman Michael Massey is expected to begin the season on the 10-day injured list. That made the path for both Loftin and Blanco on the roster a little easier because the Royals were facing a tough decision -- both had earned it.

“Going back to last year, they both can really impact the game,” Quatraro said.

Loftin, the Royals’ No. 2 prospect, had a strong spring with a .333/.435/.513 slash line, two homers, seven walks and eight strikeouts in 39 Cactus League at-bats entering Saturday. That followed a strong debut month last year when he posted an .803 OPS in September.

“Loftin really puts good at-bats together,” Quatraro said. “He handled himself really well in September defensively at different positions. He’s had a track record of being a good hitter in the Minor Leagues. Obviously, the organization felt highly of him. And I think he provides versatility as well.

“What he did this spring was handle himself really well in a situation where there was a lot on the line for him."

The 25-year-old will play everywhere on the field and offer a right-handed contact-oriented bat for the lineup or off the bench. He’ll slot in mainly around the infield at first, second and third base, but he also has experience playing the outfield.

“I’ve always thought I was a big leaguer,” Loftin said. “I’m thankful I’m about to get that opportunity to be able to do that for a full year, Lord-willing, and continue to show what I’ve been known to do since college, high school and going through my career. I’m going to bring the same thing every single day, bring the energy and help this team win.

“I’m just very thankful they believe in me just like I believe in myself.”

Blanco brings a speed element the Royals loved having on their bench last year. The 30-year-old adjusted well to irregular playing time and was reliable on the bases as a pinch-runner, in the outfield as a late-game defensive replacement or at the plate laying down a bunt or putting the ball in play.

“It’s instant, right?” Quatraro said of Blanco’s energy. “The other team knows why he’s in there, and he still often executes the stolen bases, goes first to third, puts down the bunt, makes a great play in the outfield. His readiness to play at all times is impressive, and his ability to [go] zero to 60 is really impressive.”

“It’s a big step for me in my life,” Blanco said through interpreter José Alguacil. “To be able to be on the Opening Day roster is something that’s huge for me. … It’s a big ability for me to come off the bench and try to score a run. It could mean tying the game or going ahead. I’m going to be ready to help the team in any capacity.”

Sauer, the Royals’ No. 22 prospect, will make his big league debut in his first regular season game. The 25-year-old was the Royals’ Rule 5 Draft pick this offseason, and they had to decide whether to place him on the 26-man roster or put him through waivers and offer him back to the Yankees. Sauer gives Kansas City a multi-inning reliever, and despite not having pitched above Double-A yet in his career, the Royals think highly of him for the future.

“The last four months have been crazy for me,” Sauer said after allowing one run in 1 2/3 innings Saturday. “It seems like it’s just flown by, from December when I got the phone call letting me know they got me to coming up to spring. I’ve been throwing a lot. Switching from a starter to reliever, I feel like I’ve obviously proved that I can come out of the ‘pen and help the team win some ballgames.”

Hit with some injuries to their bullpen this spring -- Carlos Hernández (shoulder), Jake Brentz (hamstring) and Josh Taylor (bicep) are all expected to begin the season on the IL -- the Royals are also able to preserve some depth by keeping Sauer on the roster instead of potentially losing him to another team. Non-roster pitcher Sam Long was in the mix for a bullpen spot after posting a 1.04 ERA this spring, and the Royals will likely call on him at some point in ‘24.

While the Opening Day roster will not be official until Thursday, the Royals have the pieces in place. Here’s what it’s expected to look like:

Rotation: LHP Cole Ragans, RHP Seth Lugo, RHP Michael Wacha, Brady Singer, RHP Alec Marsh

Bullpen: LHP Will Smith, RHP Chris Stratton, RHP John Schreiber, RHP Nick Anderson, RHP James McArthur, RHP Jordan Lyles, LHP Angel Zerpa, RHP Matt Sauer

Catchers: Salvador Perez, Freddy Fermin

Infielders: Vinnie Pasquantino, Bobby Witt Jr., Adam Frazier, Maikel Garcia

Outfielders: MJ Melendez, Nelson Velazquez, Kyle Isbel, Hunter Renfroe, Dairon Blanco

Utility: Garrett Hampson, Nick Loftin