Return of Alex Gordon highlights Royals' roster expansion

Veteran Jonny Gomes isn't the only outfielder on Kansas City's roster today who wasn't there yesterday. So are All-Star left fielder Alex Gordon and a minor leaguer who did some major damage on the basepaths for the Royals late last season.

The Royals announced Tuesday that they have made several roster moves as major league rosters can expand to 40 players. Topping the list is Gordon's return from his rehab assignment in Triple A Omaha. Gordon also was reinstated from the 15-day disabled list with a left groin strain that first sidelined him shortly before the All-Star break.

Gomes, who was acquired from the Atlanta Braves in the middle of a game Monday night, will join the team today and be in uniform (No. 31) for tonight's 7:10 game against the Detroit Tigers.

Additionally, the Royals have recalled infielders Christian Colon and Cheslor Cuthbert and catcher Francisco Pena from Omaha and outfielder Terrance Gore from Double A Northwest Arkansas.

Royals fans will remember Gore as the speedster who manager Ned Yost often inserted as a pinch runner late in games down the stretch and in the playoffs in 2014. Gore has spent all of this season in Double A.

Kansas City has also selected the contracts of left-handed pitcher Scott Alexander and right-handed pitcher Miguel Almonte from Omaha. To make room on the 40-man roster, the club has transferred left-handed pitcher Jason Vargas to the 60-day disabled list (ulnar collateral ligament tear).

Following today's moves, the Royals have 33 players on their active roster and 40 on their major league reserve list.