The Royals announced today that pitcher Carlos Hernández has been claimed off waivers from the Philadelphia Phillies and that first baseman Nick Pratto and outfielder Nelson Velázquez have cleared waivers and have been outrighted to Triple-A Omaha. The Royals also released veteran catcher Luke Maile and pitcher Ross Stripling, both of whom were non-roster invitees. The moves bring the players on the 40-man roster to 37 and bring the Opening Day roster into focus.
Opening up the roster spots could allow non-roster invitees infielder Cavan Biggio and newly acquired outfielder Mark Canha to be added to the roster.