The Kansas City Royals recalled right-hander Mason Black and catcher Elias Diaz ahead of Sunday’s game. To make room on the 25-man roster, the club optioned right-hander Mitch Spence and infielder Tyler Tolbert. Right-hander James McArthur was moved to the 60-day injured list to clear a 40-man spot for Diaz.
Black was acquired from the San Francisco Giants in November 2024 in exchange for right-hander Logan Martin. The 26-year-old made a splash with the Giants in 2024 but struggled to maintain consistency, posting a 6.47 ERA in 10 games over the past two seasons. With Kansas City, Black has transitioned from a starting role to the bullpen. At Triple-A Omaha, he has a 3.86 ERA in seven appearances and recorded his first two career saves.
Diaz brings defensive versatility and a solid bat to the Royals’ catching corps. The move to the 60-day IL for McArthur allows the club to carry an extra catcher. McArthur, who recorded 18 saves for Kansas City in 2024, missed the entire 2025 season after elbow surgery and has been on the 15-day IL this year due to inflammation.
Mitch Spence, acquired from the Oakland Athletics in February, made just one major league appearance. On Saturday, he gave up six earned runs across four innings in a late-game relief role against the New York Yankees. Spence will return to Triple-A after the outing.
Tyler Tolbert, who made the team out of spring training, appeared in eight games with the Royals. He was primarily used as a defensive replacement and pinch runner, collecting one hit in five plate appearances. Tolbert beat out Drew Waters for a roster spot after Michael Massey suffered a calf strain in spring training.
Massey’s injury helped Tolbert and Nick Loftin earn initial big league spots. Loftin was optioned when Massey returned to the active roster. Tolbert now joins him on the Triple-A depth chart.
With the move to the 60-day IL, the Royals have more flexibility on the 40-man roster. McArthur’s return timeline remains uncertain, but the team now has time to evaluate his recovery.
The Royals face the Seattle Mariners on Monday at 6:10 p.m. CT. Black is expected to make his major league debut in the bullpen.
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