KANSAS CITY, MO. (AP) - For three years Kansas City fans have waited to see Mike Moustakas and Eric Hosmer, their heralded first-round picks of 2007 and ’08, on the field together in Kauffman Stadium.
Now it’s about to happen. Hosmer’s been manning first base since he was called up from Triple-A Omaha on May 6 and has been the Royals’ best hitter. Now Moustakas, a native of Los Angeles, will make his major league debut on Friday night when the Royals open a three-game set against at the Angels.
The Royals will purchase his contract from Omaha and hand him third base.
“We’ll put Moose at third,” manager Ned Yost said when the move was announced following KC’s 3-2 victory over Toronto on Thursday afternoon. “Get his big league career started. He’s been hot, swinging the bat well, driving in runs, playing good third base. Time’s right.”
Moustakas was hitting .356 in his last 10 games. For the season at Omaha, he was hitting .287 with 10 home runs and 44 RBIs.
The Royals also announced that struggling infielder Mike Aviles was going to Omaha.
Hosmer, who is hitting .309 with five home runs and 21 RBIs in just 32 games, was delighted at the news.
“I couldn’t be happier for him. I’m going to give him a call right now,” Hosmer said. “I’m really excited. One of my best friends in professional baseball. It’s going to be fun. We’ve been texting back and forth.”
Hosmer and Moustakas are the most anticipated prospects the Royals have had since Bo Jackson more than two decades ago.
Hosmer said he would have no advice for his friend.
“He doesn’t need no advice for me. He’s good enough,” he said. “He’s been through it all. He’s going to come up here and just be nice and relaxed. The first game will be exciting for him, in his home town. I’m sure all his family will be there. He’s going to come up here and hit his stride.”
Please read our comment policy before commenting.