On July 4, the Kansas City Royals made several roster moves. Right-handed pitcher Jon Heasley was recalled from Triple-A Omaha for the second time in 2023, providing a fresh arm for the short bullpen. Left-handed pitcher Austin Cox, who threw 4 2/3 innings on Monday night, was optioned back to Triple-A as the corresponding move.
Heasley had a challenging Spring Training and struggled during the regular season. In Omaha, he recorded a 7.51 ERA over 74 1/3 innings in 17 games (13 starts). In his last four outings with the Storm Chasers, he pitched out of the bullpen due to an innings crunch and to prepare him for an opportunity with the Royals. Heasley made adjustments to his pitch usage, focusing more on offspeed pitches and fewer fastballs. With the Royals currently using a seven-man bullpen, Heasley’s call-up provides an additional arm that can be used in longer or shorter stints.
Regarding his new role, Heasley said, “It’s been a little bit of an adjustment, but I feel like I’m prepared and ready for whatever they need me to do. Navigating the pitch usage has been the biggest thing, the plan of attack out of the bullpen.”
Second baseman Michael Massey was reinstated from the 10-day injured list. He had been sidelined since June 14 due to a left index finger laceration. With the cut nearly healed, Massey used his rehab assignment to regain his timing and adjust his grip on the bat to accommodate the healing finger. He went 2-for-11 in three rehab games with Omaha. The Royals wanted Massey’s left-handed bat back in the lineup, especially with a series of right-handed starting pitchers scheduled for the upcoming games.
