Kansas City Royals call up Whit Merrifield from minors

The Kansas City Royals made a surprising roster move on Wednesday, summoning utility man Whit Merrifield from Class AAA Omaha and optioning infielder Christian Colon to the minors.

To add Merrifield, the former South Carolina star, to the 40-man roster, the club designated outfielder Jose Martinez for assignment.

The announcement came in the hours after a 3-2 victory over the Boston Red Sox in the first game of a day-night doubleheader.

Merrifield, who plays infield and outfield, nearly broke camp with the Royals, but instead was sent to Omaha. His versatility has always been a plus, and he’s played all three outfield positions with the Storm Chasers in addition to third base and second base. Most of that playing time has been at second base. Merrifield has played 22 games there with just one error in 199 innings.

Merrifield started the nightcap in left field, going 1-for-3, picking up a single off David Price in the third inning for his first big-league hit.

According to MILB.com, Merrifield’s range factor at second base is 4.91, which is better than Christian Colon’s 4.50 last year.

At the plate, Merrifield is hitting .275 with eight doubles, three home runs and 12 RBIs in 108 at-bats. His 16 stolen bases lead the Pacific Coast League, and he has yet to be caught.

The game set up a matchup of former Gamecocks outfielders as Jackie Bradley Jr. plays for the Red Sox. Bradley extended his hitting streak to 24 consecutive games with a home run, finishing the second half of the doubleheader 2-for-3. Bradley was just 1-for-4 in the first game of the twin bill.

In his first at-bat Wednesday, Merrifield flew out to Bradley.

This story was originally published May 18, 2016 at 6:15 PM with the headline "Kansas City Royals call up Whit Merrifield from minors."