KANSAS CITY -- It was last September when Royals manager Ned Yost happened to notice designated hitter Kendrys Morales shagging some fly balls in the outfield during batting practice.
The more Yost watched, the more intrigued he became.
"People underestimate his athletic ability," Yost said before Tuesday's game against the Cardinals. "But he can move around."
The Royals had an upcoming makeup game at Wrigley Field last September and Yost knew he'd lose a hot bat in Morales without the DH.
"And Alex Rios was struggling at the time," Yost said, "so we kept our options open.