What It Means:

In a corresponding move, the Royals sent down the struggling Whit Merrifield. Mondesi is considered the Royals' top position prospect, but he has missed a major chunk of the season after having to serve a 50-game suspension for performance enhancing drugs. However, he has hit well since being promoted to Triple-A earlier this month (.369 wOBA in 61 plate appearances). His plate discipline is poor (0.11 BB/K ratio in Triple-A), so Mondesi could struggle to see immediate success in the big leagues, but the Royals need a spark. If he gets regular playing time, his speed could could provide some value in deeper fantasy leagues. Mondesi, who will turn 21 years-old on Wednesday, made his debut in the majors during last year's World Series, but he hasn't appeared in a regular season game.

Mondesi has struck out a lot during his minor league career, but has shown decent pop (.190 ISO in Double-A, .232 ISO in Triple-A this season). Our projections give the Royals just a 3.70 percent chance of making the playoffs, so they need all the help they can get.