:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/2158633/GYI0063914505.jpg)
The Kansas City Royals have called up first baseman/designated hitter Clint Robinson and optioned left-hander Ryan Verdugo to Triple-A, according to Bob Dutton of The Kansas City Star.
#Royals, as expected, recall 1B/DH Clint Robinson from Omaha for extra bat on bench in games at NL parks. LHP Ryan Verdugo optioned.
— Bob Dutton (@Royals_Report) June 7, 2012
The Royals called Robinson up in order to add a bat to their bench in preparation of their weekend interleague series versus the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Drafted in the 25th round of the 2007 MLB Draft, Robinson has spent the past six seasons in the Royals minor league system. After posting an OPS of .932 over his 503 at-bats in Triple-A last season, Robinson has hit at a clip of .314/.418/.500 with 25 extra-base hits and 37 RBIs for Omaha this year.
The 27-year-old has a career minor league OPS of .915. Robinson’s next major league appearance will be his first.
Verdugo was recently called up by Kansas City, but he didn’t appear in a game for the Royals before being sent back down to Triple-A. The southpaw has started 11 games for Omaha this season, maintaining an ERA and WHIP of 3.61 and 1.203 with 7.5 SO/9 and 4.3 BB/9. Verdugo has a career ERA and WHIP of 3.24 and 1.250 over his five seasons in the minors.