Royals call up Nick Pratto, Drew Waters from Omaha (AAA) – Farm to Fountains

The Royals announced a couple of roster moves today as both Nick Pratto (INF) and Drew Waters (OF) were called up from Omaha (AAA). As corresponding moves, Hunter Renfroe (OF) was placed on the 10-day injured list and Adam Frazier (INF) was placed on the bereavement list. 

We knew a roster move was coming after it was announced yesterday that Hunter Renfroe fractured his left big toe. Drew Waters was the expected candidate as he is on the 40-man roster and the others performing well in Omaha, like Nate Eaton and CJ Alexander, would’ve required the Royals to clear a spot on the 40-man roster. 

Most Royals fans thought Waters would win a spot on the big league team after spring training. In Omaha this year, he’s slashed .277/.350/4.84 with an .834 OPS, hitting 14 doubles, seven home runs, and driving 33 runs. Waters has always had the tools to dream which is part of the reason the Royals made a trade for him back in 2022. Strikeouts have always been a big concern for Waters, but he has cut his K-rate to 26.6% in Omaha this year. The question is whether or not that will translate to the big leagues.

The news of Pratto’s call-up was a bit of a surprise, but it could be a short stay, depending on how long Frazier is on the bereavement list. After a white-hot spring, there were thoughts that Pratto was going to make the opening-day roster, but Loftin performed just as well. Pratto has struggled a bit in Omaha, slashing .2354/.321/.385 with a .706 OPS. Like Waters, Pratto has always struggled with swing-and-miss issues. It’s been still fairly high in AAA this year at 28.6%. 

Some other minor moves were made in addition. Gavin Cross was reinstated from the IL to Northwest Arkansas (AA), and Josh Lester was transferred from Northwest Arkansas (AA) to Omaha (AAA). Lester fills in for the absence of Pratto.