Royals option Hendriks to Double A, activate Downs, claim Nix off waivers
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Royals again were busy massaging their roster before Thursday's game as they activated left-hander Scott Downs, optioned right-hander Liam Hendriks to Double-A Northwest Arkansas and claimed utility infielder Jayson Nix off waivers.
To make room for Nix on the 40-man roster, the Royals put minor-league pitcher Michael Mariot on the 60-day disabled list.
Nix is expected to arrive in Kansas City on Saturday. Nix, 32, was released earlier this week by Pittsburgh, where he had played in 16 games and was hitting .133 with one homer and three RBI.
The move was not a response to second baseman Omar Infante's shoulder inflammation possibly getting worse.
"Omar's fine," manager Ned Yost said.
Yost also said Infante was "definitely not" a candidate for the disabled list.
"We're still slating Omar for Friday," Yost said. "We could give him an extra day. We'll see.
"But (Nix) is just here for infield depth. We wanted some September infield depth. He can play short, third and second."
Yost wanted Downs specifically for the upcoming Cleveland series, which starts Friday. The Indians' lineup has several left-handed hitters and switch-hitters.
Hendriks, who pitched brilliantly for seven innings Wednesday, will return to the big-league club Tuesday, along with Aaron Crow, who also was optioned to Northwest Arkansas on Wednesday. Northwest Arkansas' season ends Monday.
Yost said he plans to use Hendriks in middle relief when he returns.
"He was impressive," Yost said. "Kid comes in, throws strikes and he wasn't scared. We'll be using him."
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