The Royals must make a decision on veteran lefty reliever Troy Patton, who has been pitching for Class AAA Omaha since July, by Saturday. The minor-league contract for Patton contains on Aug. 15 opt-out clause, so he can elect free agency if Kansas City does not add him to their active roster.
Barring an unforeseen injury — and manager Ned Yost insists the lingering back stiffness off Wade Davis will not require a stint on the disabled list — it is difficult to figure how the Royals could recall Patton. The bullpen already features eight useful arms, including a pair of long relievers in Kris Medlen and Chris Young.