Whit Merrifield

Royals activate Davis in a flurry of roster moves

Published Sep. 2, 2016 2:43 p.m. ET

foxsports

Wade Davis is back. So is Whit Merrifield. And Hunter Dozier is poised to make his big-league debut.

The Kansas City Royals were busy Friday, announcing a number of roster moves with big-league rosters expanding for September. Tops on the list was the activation of Davis from the 15-day disabled list. The club also recalled Merrifield, catcher Tony Cruz and outfielder Terrance Gore from Triple-A Omaha and selected the contract of infielder Dozier, the Royals' first-round selection (eighth overall) in 2013.

Though the bullpen has been stellar without Davis, his return is a welcome relief to a group that has been overworked recently. The team's two-time All-Star closer had been sidelined since July 31 with a right flexor strain before going on a brief minor league rehab assignment. Davis, 30, has posted 21 saves this season and is 1-0 with a 1.60 ERA in 35 games.

Merrifield, Cruz and Gore have all spent time with the Royals this season, with Merrifield seeing the most action -- 53 games from May 18 to July 24. During that time the infielder/outfielder batted .271 with 15 doubles, a triple, two homers and 30 runs.

Gore started the season in the majors and played in four games in April, collecting two steals. Cruz made his Royals debut June 4 and played in two other contests before being optioned to Omaha on June 8.

Dozier, 25, joins the major league roster for the first time. He was hitting .294 with 36 doubles, a triple, 15 homers and 54 RBIs in 103 games with the Storm Chasers. He opened the season with Double-A Northwest Arkansas, batting .305 with eight doubles, eight homers and 21 RBIs in 26 games before being promoted May 7.

To make room for Dozier on the 40-man roster, the club transferred reliever Luke Hochevar (thoracic outlet surgery on Aug. 2) to the 60-day disabled list.

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Whit Merrifield

Wade Davis

Kansas City Royals