Vinnie Pasquantino returns to the Royals’ roster for the AL Wild Card Series

Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino has returned to Kansas City’s roster for the American League Wild Card Series against the Baltimore Orioles.

The Royals announced Pasquantino’s spot on their 26-man roster Tuesday morning, exactly four weeks after the slugger underwent surgery for a broken right thumb.

Pasquantino, who hasn’t played since his injury on Aug. 29, is third in Kansas City’s lineup as designated hitter for Game 1 in Baltimore on Tuesday afternoon.

Royals manager Matt Quatraro said Monday that Pasquantino will not be able to play first base in the best-of-three series.

Baltimore’s roster includes lightly used right-hander Colin Selby – he appeared in three games for the Orioles and two for the Royals this season – in place of right-hander Matt Bowman. Starting pitcher Albert Suarez is not on the Orioles’ roster.

The Royals initially offered a recovery period of six to eight weeks, but Pasquantino has repeatedly stated that he hoped to return before that target date, particularly if Kansas City reached the postseason.

The Royals posted an 86-76 record this season and secured the AL’s second wild card after a 56-106 record in 2023.

The 26-year-old Pasquantino posted a .262 batting average with 19 homers and 97 RBIs in 131 games this season, his third time with the Royals. He played in just 61 games last year after undergoing season-ending surgery in June for a torn labrum in his right shoulder.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.