Royals Designate Starling Marte for Assignment

The Royals announced a cluster of roster moves, with the most notable being the designation of outfielder Starling Marte for assignment.

The surrounding context: infielders Vinnie Pasquantino and Maikel Garcia were both reinstated from the 10-day injured list, and left-hander Connor Thomas was recalled. To clear the necessary space, infielder Josh Rojas and right-hander Jose Cuas were optioned to Triple-A Omaha — and Marte was designated for assignment, per the club announcement.

Garcia's return is worth noting on its own. Per earlier Posterior Wire reporting, the shortstop had been working through a second minor league rehab assignment for a left hand injury, making his reinstatement the conclusion of a longer road back.

What happens to Marte now

A designation for assignment opens a window in which the Royals must trade, release, or outright Marte to the minors. If he clears waivers, an outright assignment becomes an option; if he does not, a trade or release follows. None of those outcomes has been reported yet — the club announcement covers only the designation itself.

Kansas City has been active on the roster front of late. Eli Morgan elected free agency after clearing waivers following his own designation, and the club added right-hander Tony Gonsolin on a major league deal earlier this month, per Posterior Wire reporting.