Royals call up top prospect Mondesi

The Kansas City Royals called up infielder Raul A. Mondesi to the big-league club from Triple-A Omaha on Tuesday.

Mondesi, who turns 21 on Wednesday, is the son of former big leaguer Raul Mondesi and is ranked as the Royals' top prospect, according to MLB Pipeline.

The youngster was slashing .304/.328/.536 at Omaha before his promotion. He's never appeared in a regular-season contest, although he did get one at-bat during the 2015 World Series, striking out during Game. 3.

In a corresponding move, utility player Whit Merrifield was optioned to the minors.

With Merrifield sent down, Mondesi will likely assume the starting job at second base for the Royals, who are set to square off against the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday night.