Butera or Kratz? Royals have a decision to make for backup catcher
MINNEAPOLIS -- The Royals are nearing decision day on a move they've delayed over the last month -- what to do about the backup catcher position.
Erik Kratz's final game in a rehabilitation assignment with Triple A Omaha will be Tuesday. After that, Kratz must be either activated to the 25-man roster, designated for assignment or traded. The same choices apply to current backup Drew Butera. If designated for assignment, both players would have to clear waivers before being able to go down to the minors.
Kratz has been getting regular at-bats with Omaha as he completes his recovery from torn plantar fasciitis in his left foot. Entering Monday, Kratz owned a .229/.283/.521 slash line with four home runs in 13 games at Triple A. He played in just two games with Kansas City before going on the 15-day disabled list.
Butera has started four games (and played in seven) since coming to the Royals in a May 7 trade with the Angels. Butera has slashed .133/.133/.200 with Kansas City.
Manager Ned Yost did not tip the club's hand as to what the move will be, but did note what the backup catcher would be called on to do.
"You have to be a situational guy," Yost said. "You got to be able to put a bunt down. You got to be able to move a runner from second with nobody out and hopefully hit a groundball if the infield is playing back or try to hit a flyball if the infield's playing in. That's what you look for offensively from a guy like Kratz or a guy like Butera."
Yost characterized Butera as the better defensive catcher but called Kratz more of an offensive threat.
"They both fit in, now we just have to make a decision on who we're going with," Yost said.
More throwbacks
The Royals will wear another set of throwbacks, this time the powder blue uniforms from the 1980s for Sunday's game in St. Louis.
Kansas City has previously worn Monarchs and Packers uniforms for games against the Yankees and Cubs, respectively.
You can follow Matthew DeFranks on Twitter at @MDeFranks or email him at matthew.defranks@gmail.com.
