{
  "id": 1597797,
  "title": "Royals Designate 15-Year MLB Veteran for Assignment",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/royals-designate-15-year-mlb-veteran-for-assignment",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-18T00:35:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/mlb/royals-designate-15-year-mlb-veteran-for-assignment-12333958"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In a strategic move to prepare for the stretch run, Major League Baseball's Kansas City Royals designated veteran outfielder Starling Marte for assignment on Monday. The team also optioned infielder Josh Rojas and pitcher Jose Cuas to Triple-A Omaha to create room for Marte's return. Kansas reinstated first baseman Vinny Pasquantino and third baseman Maikel Garcia from the injured list, both of whom are now back in the starting lineup for Monday's game against the Athletics. Additionally, the Royals called up Connor Thomas, a left-handed pitcher with an impressive 2.40 ERA in the minor leagues this season.\n\nMarte, a 37-year-old two-time All-Star, joined the Royals this offseason after a successful four-year stint with the New York Mets. Over his 15-year MLB career, he has compiled a solid career average of .284/.340/.436, with 165 home runs and 363 stolen bases. However, Marte's role with the Royals has been limited, as he has seen most of his playing time against left-handed pitchers, resulting in a defensive metric of minus-2 Defensive Runs Saved.\n\nMarte's status with the Royals is now uncertain, as they may move him back to right field to accommodate the return of Vinny Pasquantino. This decision leaves less room for Marte on the roster, particularly with other players vying for playing time, including Isaac Collins, Kyle Isbel, John Rave, and Tyler Tolbert. Designating Marte for assignment provides the outfielder with the opportunity to join another contender and potentially secure his first World Series appearance.",
  "summary": "The Kansas City Royals designated a two-time All-Star and Gold Glove-winning outfielder for assignment on Monday.",
  "key_points": [
    "Starling Marte designated for assignment by Kansas City Royals",
    "Josh Rojas and Jose Cuas optioned to Triple-A Omaha",
    "Vinny Pasquantino and Maikel Garcia reinstated from injured list"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The Royals' decision to designate Starling Marte for assignment clears a roster spot for returning players and may signal a shift in Marte's role or his time with the team.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}