Burch Smith takes 26.

Sixto Sánchez switches from 45 to 18. Last worn by Joey Wendle in 2023.

Skip Schumaker switches from 55 to 45. Last worn on the field by Matt Moore in 2023.

Spring Training:

Rob Brantly assigned 30

Alex Jackson assigned 40

Brendan McKay assigned 65

The Royals have made moves this off-season that will change the makeup of the bullpen. They traded away Scott Alexander and Joakim Soria earlier this month. In the Rule 5 draft they acquired Brad Keller and Burch Smith who will likely spend the season in the bullpen. They also acquired Wily Peralta in free agency. The Royals should see a lot of players move in and out of the bullpen this season.

Last week the MLB Winter Meetings took place in Orlando, Florida. The event gave teams and agents the opportunity to meet and discuss possible trades and signings. The Rule 5 draft also took place, which gave teams the chance to draft players out of other organizations. The Royals made a few moves in the meetings to add to their roster.

  The Royals did not draft any players in the MLB portion of…

Tampa Bay Rays easing Steven Souza Jr. back into action

The Tampa Bay Rays want Steven Souza Jr. to be a contributor in 2016’s lineup but they’ve been in no rush to thrust him back onto the field this spring.

Resting and rehabbing his way through an intercostal strain (rib cage), Souza began getting his first live action this week. He made his spring debut in Wednesday’s 5-1 home loss to Torontoand went 0-for-3 with a pair of strikeouts while batting…