PHOENIX – The Kansas City Royals have acquired veteran outfielder Randal Grichuk from the Arizona Diamondbacks this Saturday, in a move that has generated buzz in the baseball world. In the trade, the Diamondbacks received right-handed pitcher Andrew Hoffmann, who had appeared in three games with the Royals this season from the bullpen. Hoffmann, 25, was selected in the 12th round of the 2021 draft by the Braves. Grichuk, 33, has played the last season and a half with the Diamondbacks, being used primarily against left-handed pitchers. The news of the transfer came in the midst of Arizona’s 2-0 defeat to Pittsburgh. Grichuk was removed from the game in the fifth inning and was seen hugging his teammates in the dugout. The outfielder went 0-2 on Saturday night, with two fly balls. So far this season, he is batting .240 with seven home runs in 71 games.
Grichuk has 210 home runs in his 12-year career, having also played for the Cardinals, Blue Jays, Rockies, and Angels. This move comes two days after the Diamondbacks sent first baseman Josh Naylor to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for two pitching prospects. Right-handed pitchers Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly, along with third baseman Eugenio Suárez, also have expiring contracts and could be traded before Thursday’s deadline. Kelly (9-6) took the loss on Saturday despite allowing only two runs in 6⅔ innings. The player has spent his seven-year career with Arizona after excelling in the Korean Baseball Organization and grew up in the Phoenix area.I was a little sad, wasn’t I? It’s hard to say goodbye to someone who has been an important part of this organization for a year and a half.
Torey Lovullo, Manager of the Diamondbacks
Earlier in the day, the Royals placed rookie first baseman and outfielder Jac Caglianone on the 10-day injured list due to a left hamstring strain.I definitely recognize that anything could happen in the coming days. I’ve always loved being here, but I also understand the business side of the game.
Merrill Kelly
