KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Royals will stash catcher Erik Kratz in Triple A Omaha for the maximum amount of time allowed during a rehabilitation assignment, manager Ned Yost said.
Kratz, on the disabled list with a torn plantar fascia retroactive to May 4, will play his last game in Omaha on Tuesday night. Position players are allotted only 20 days per rehab stint while pitchers can use up to 30 days.
The extra games give the Royals extra time to decide between backup catcher Drew Butera and Kratz. Kansas City traded for Butera on May 7, the day after placing Kratz on the DL.
Both Butera and Kratz are out of options, meaning the team would have to expose them to waivers if they want to send them to the minors.
Entering Friday, Kratz was slashing .214/.244/.476 with three home runs in 11 games. Butera has started four games behind the plate this season and appeared in three more. He is 2 for 15 but is generally regarded as a defensive specialist.
Arms respond
Danny Duffy (left biceps tendinitis and shoulder stiffness) said his arm felt good Friday, one day after completing a three-inning, 45-pitch simulated game. Yost said Duffy would complete a bullpen session Saturday before likely going on a rehab stint.
Right-hander Kris Medlen (Tommy John surgery) will throw in Kansas City on Sunday before returning to Arizona to build his pitch count during extended spring training.
Early BP
Mike Moustakas took early batting practice Friday afternoon, hitting off hitting coach Dale Sveum while Yost looked on.
Moustakas has cooled down since his blistering start, hitting .216/.275/.324 in his past 11 games. Moustakas hit nearly every pitch the opposite way during the early session.
"Just getting back to doing what he can do best and what he did best in April," Yost said.
Moose Lodge
Friday was the second game during which the Royals, KCP&L and Moustakas hosted the "Moose Lodge" program, which invites foster children and their families to games at Kauffman Stadium.
The event was already held once earlier this season and will be held three more times. It helps 250 foster children.
You can follow Matthew DeFranks on Twitter at @MDeFranks or email him at matthew.defranks@gmail.com.
