The second piece of the Mike Moustakas trade will make his Royals debut on Wednesday night at Kauffman Stadium.
Jorge Lopez, a 25-year-old right-handed pitcher, will be recalled from Class AAA Omaha to start against the Blue Jays. A corresponding move will be announced before Wednesday’s game.
Rule 5 acquisition Burch Smith had been slated to make the start. But with six weeks left in the season, the Royals decided to move Smith, who posted a 6.97 ERA (47 earned runs in 60 2/3 innings) in seven starts, back to the bullpen and take a look at Lopez.