The Kansas City Royals announced today that the club has invited 22 non-roster players to Major League Spring Training in Surprise, Ariz. Among the invitations are 13 pitchers, four catchers, four infielders and one outfielder.
Of the 22 non-roster invitees, 16 played in the Royals’ organization last season. Left-handed pitchers Jonathan Dziedzic (13th round, 2013), Eric Skoglund (third round, 2014) and Eric Stout (13th round, 2014), right-handed pitchers Malcom Culver (eighth round, 2008), Luke Farrell (sixth round, 2013), A.J. Puckett (second round, 2016) and Josh Staumont (second round, 2015), catchers Zane Evans (fourth round, 2013), Xavier Fernandez (11th round, 2013), Parker Morin (14th round, 2012) and Chase Vallot (Competitive Balance Round, 2014), infielders Ryan O’Hearn (eight round, 2014) and Corey Toups (15th round, 2014) and outfielder Alfredo Escalera (eighth round, 2012) were all drafted by the Royals.
Right-handed pitcher Yender Caramo and infielder Humberto Arteaga both signed as a non-drafted free agents. Other non-roster invitees include: left-handed pitcher Jonathan Sanchez, right-handed pitchers Al Alburquerque, Brandon League, Bobby Parnell and Chris Withrow and infielder Garin Cecchini.
The first workout for pitchers and catchers will be on Tuesday, February 14, while the first full team workout is slated for Friday, February 17.