Royals 2B Nicky Lopez to start, bat second in MLB debut vs. Rangers

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Royals are giving top prospect Nicky Lopez his big-league shot, summoning him from Triple-A Omaha and putting him right into the starting lineup for their series opener against the Texas Rangers on Tuesday night.

The 24-year-old Lopez was the Royals’ fifth-round pick in the 2016 draft. He was hitting .353 with a .457 on-base percentage with the Storm Chasers. Lopez also has struck out just five times in 116 at-bats, the fewest of anybody in the Pacific Coast League.

He was slated to bat second and play second base against the Rangers, while the versatile Whit Merrifield — one of Kansas City’s best hitters — was moved to right field and will, as usual, lead off.

The Royals optioned right-hander Jake Newberry to Omaha on Monday to clear roster space for him.