The Royals announced they have optioned first baseman Nick Pratto and catcher MJ Melendez to Triple-A Omaha among several moves as they began to winnow their roster down on Monday. Joining them in Omaha will be pitcher Ronald Bolaños, who missed most of last season with a flexor strain. The Royals also optioned infielder Maikel Garcia to Double-A Northwest Arkansas, and re-assigned catcher Kale Emshoff, and pitchers Austin Cox, Foster Griffin, and Jace Vines to minor league camp.
Pratto and Melendez were expected to begin this year in the minors to get regular playing time, but they played well in spring training in the big league games.