The phone call that changed the course of the Royals’ franchise restoration came in the late evening hours Friday night.
Manager Ned Yost had turned in early after their game against the Yankees was postponed because of inclement weather. He wanted to rest for Saturday’s split doubleheader.
But general manager Dayton Moore did not afford him the opportunity. He called to inform Yost that Mike Moustakas was being traded to the Milwaukee Brewers. Yost would have outfielder Brett Phillips at his disposal the next afternoon and right-handed pitcher Jorge Lopez just one step away at Class AAA Omaha.