Dairon Blanco Called Up By Royals
Dairon Blanco's contract from Triple-A Omaha on Monday and designated outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. for assignment in a corresponding move. Blanco will be making his return to the big leagues after going 2-for-7 with two RBI and a stolen base in five games in his major-league debut in 2022. The 30-year-old has earned another opportunity for KC by hitting an impressive .347/.444/.451 with an .895 OPS, seven doubles, a triple, three home runs, 19 RBI, 47 stolen bases and 37 runs scored in 49 games for Omaha. Because Blanco is unlikely to see a starting role for the Royals, he'll only be worthy of a waiver-wire pickup in deeper leagues for fantasy managers in need of steals. Bradley gets the boot after hitting .133 (14-for-105) with a homer and six RBI in 43 games.
Source: Royals Twitter
The Kansas City Royals selected outfielder Source: Royals Twitter
Dairon Blanco Placed On 10-Day Injured List
Dairon Blanco (Achilles) was placed on the 10-day injured list due to right Achilles tendinopathy on Monday. The 31-year-old did not receive a start during their opening series against the Cleveland Guardians. Last season, Blanco appeared in just 88 contests but did provide value in category formats. During this stretch, the 31-year-old swiped an impressive 31 bags, which was the eighth-most in the AL. In the batter's box, he posted a .258/.308/.392 slash line with just four doubles and four long balls. Through the first three games of the 2025 season, Blanco already swiped two bags. In a corresponding move, the Royals promoted Tyler Tolbert from Triple-A Omaha. He is worth monitoring in deeper category formats given his elite speed upside.
Source: Kansas City Royals
Kansas City Royals outfielder Source: Kansas City Royals
Dairon Blanco To Play On Sunday
Dairon Blanco (Achilles) will be back in action on Sunday. The speedy outfielder has been sidelined lately due to Achilles tightness. The team will ease him back into action by letting him play three innings. The expectation is that Blanco will slowly progress into playing full games again and should be fine in time for Opening Day. Blanco slashed .258/.308/.392 with four home runs and 13 RBI across 88 games with the Royals last season. His best asset is his speed considering Blanco has stolen 55 bases over the last two seasons with KC.
Source: Anne Rogers
Kansas City Royals outfielder Source: Anne Rogers
Dairon Blanco Should See Game Action Soon
Dairon Blanco (Achilles) has resumed on-field baseball activities and should be able to get back into a spring game soon, although it will likely be a minor-league game first. Blanco was scratched from a Cactus League game at the end of February with an Achilles injury, but X-rays came back negative and he's nearing a return to game action at spring training. The 31-year-old veteran should have the time he needs to get ready for Opening Day in late March. Blanco is merely competing for a roster spot as a reserve outfielder in camp after slashing .258/.308/.392 with four home runs, 13 RBI, 31 stolen bases and 37 runs scored in 88 games in 2024. He has swiped 55 bases the last two years, giving him some appeal in AL-only and deep-mixed leagues, but Blanco has primarily served as a late-game defensive replacement and pinch-runner.
Source: MLB.com - Anne Rogers
Kansas City Royals outfielder Source: MLB.com - Anne Rogers
Dairon Blanco Undergoing MRI Exam
Dairon Blanco (Achilles) had an X-ray on Monday that showed nothing concerning regarding his right-Achilles soreness, but he is getting an MRI exam on Tuesday as a precaution. The 31-year-old was scratched from Monday's Cactus League lineup against the Athletics and should be considered day-to-day for now in camp. When healthy, Blanco will likely be a reserve outfielder for the Royals' big-league squad in 2025. The Cuban outfielder played in a career-high 88 games for the Royals in his third major-league season in 2024 and hit .258/.308/.392 with a below-average .699 OPS, only four home runs, 13 RBI, 31 stolen bases and 37 runs scored in 132 plate appearances. Most of his success has come against left-handed pitching, but he can be useful for his speed in deeper fantasy leagues as a pinch-runner/defensive replacement late in games.
Source: MLB.com - Anne Rogers
Kansas City Royals outfielder Source: MLB.com - Anne Rogers
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