The Kansas City Royals claimed outfielder Tommy Pham off waivers on Saturday, the most notable among a flurry of roster moves. Pham was waived by the St. Louis Cardinals earlier this week, ending their brief reunion following a trade deadline deal. Kansas City also acquired defending World Series champ Robbie Grossman off waivers. In two corresponding moves, they designated infielder CJ Alexander and catcher Austin Nola for assignment.
We have claimed OF Robbie Grossman off waivers from the Texas Rangers and OF Tommy Pham off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals. We anticipate both players reporting tomorrow.
INF CJ Alexander and C Austin Nola have been designated for assignment.
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) August 31, 2024
Royals Claim Tommy Pham Off Waivers Among Several Roster Moves
Pham now joins his third different team of the 2024 season, and ninth overall in his major league career. In his 11th big league season, the 26-year-old outfielder is hitting .254 with seven home runs, 31 RBI, and 40 runs scored between stints with the Cardinals and Chicago White Sox. While he doesn’t provide quite as much pop as he used to, Pham can provide the Royals with a reliable veteran bat down the stretch. They now find themselves in the thick of the AL Central race, trailing the Cleveland Guardians by 2 1/2 games entering Saturday’s action.
Grossman, 34, is having a tough year at the plate after contributing to the Texas Rangers’ first World Series title last fall. After signing with the White Sox as a free agent, the South Siders dealt him back to Texas in May. Between those two teams, Grossman is hitting .227 with three home runs and 14 RBI in 71 games.
The 28-year-old Alexander made his major league debut on June 24 against the Miami Marlins. A 20th-round draft pick by the Atlanta Braves in 2018, he has an average of .125 in four major league games. The Royals then demoted him again in July.
Nola did not see any action with Kansas City after prior stints with the Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres. Injuries and a crowded roster have prevented him from appearing in a major league game this season.
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