The Royals announced they have optioned catcher Freddy Fermín, first baseman Nick Pratto, and infielder Maikel Garcia to Triple-A Omaha.
Fermín was added to the 40-man roster last fall and had a sensational winter ball season, earning MVP honors in the Venezuelan Winter League. The 27-year-old catcher hit .270/.365/.480 with 15 home runs in 87 games for Omaha last year. Fermín had hit .273/.360/.545 with one home run in 22 at-bats this spring.
The Royals will carry Salvador Perez and MJ Melendez at the catcher position, but had discussed carrying a third catcher to allow Melendez to play the outfield and Perez to DH more often.