Tolbert is the new “designated pinch runner”
The Royals announced they have placed outfielder Dairon Blanco on the 10-day Injured List ahead of their series this week with the Brewers and have called up shortstop Tyler Tolbert. Blanco, who has appeared in all three games so far as a substitute, has been diagnosed with right Achilles tendinopathy, an injury he dealt with in spring training.
Tolbert brings the same kind of blazing speed Blanco was known for, stealing 158 bases over the last three seasons, including a perfect 60-fo-60 season in Quad Cities in 2022. His primary position is shortstop, but he is capable of playing second and the outfield. The right-handed hitting Tolbert isn’t known for his bat, hitting .240/.323/.323 with four home runs in 129 games between Northwest Arkansas and Omaha last year. He did play well in spring training, hitting .308 with two home runs and seven steals. Tolbert will be added to the 40-man roster, but no other corresponding move is necessary.
Fortunately, the Royals will not be putting Jonathan India on the Injured List after he was hit in the head by a pitch from Emmanuel Clase in the ninth inning of Sunday’s game against the Guardians. India is back in the lineup today after the Royals said the injury was “non-concussive” yesterday.
Jonathan India said he feels good after getting hit by the pitch yesterday but declined further comment about the incident. #Royals
— Anne Rogers (@anne__rogers) March 31, 2025