Chris Getz aggravated his rib cage injury yesterday, so the Royals have placed the second baseman on the disabled list while calling up left-hander Will Smith from Triple-A to fill a long relief role.
Getz’s injury seemingly opens the door for the Royals to actually give 24-year-old prospect Johnny Giavotella regular action at second base, but then again they’ve turned down other chances to do that and manager Ned Yost might again decide 28-year-old career minor leaguer Irving Falu is somehow more deserving of the starts.
Smith was acquired from the Angels for Alberto Callaspo and Sean O’Sullivan in 2010 and the 22-year-old had a 4.01 ERA and 37/13 K/BB ratio in 52 innings as a starter at Triple-A. He may eventually get jiggy with it in the rotation if a spot starter is needed (also: sorry).
UPDATE: Yup, sure enough Falu is starting at second base tonight. Sigh.
