The Kansas City Royals offense is hoping to return to its season-long performance after ending a seven-game losing streak against the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday.

Fortunately, a crucial part of the Royals’ lineup will soon return after completing a brief rehab assignment at Double-A Northwest Arkansas.

Royals outfielder Hunter Renfroe has returned from rehab and has been activated from the 10-day injured list after suffering a strained right hamstring in late August, the organization announced Thursday. To make room on the roster, right-handed pitcher Steven Cruz was sent to Triple-A Omaha and RHP Dan Altavilla was designated for assignment.

Renfroe is expected to be a key part of the Royals’ lineup, but he’s struggled at bat this season. He’s lacking power in particular, hitting just 12 home runs this late in the season when he could hit over 30 home runs.

The 32-year-old has a .237 batting average with 30 extra-base hits, including 12 home runs, 47 RBIs and an OPS of .710 in 104 games for the Royals in 2024.

He’s not in the starting lineup Friday against the American League Central rival Minnesota Twins, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him as a pinch hitter if a left-handed reliever comes in to pitch.

As for Altavilla, his career with Kansas City ended after just one season. The 31-year-old only allowed six earned runs on five hits, three walks and five strikeouts in 3 2/3 innings pitched for the Royals that year.

Although Altavilla had a fairly respectable track record in the minor leagues, he was not particularly successful as a pitcher in the major leagues and it was only a matter of time before the Royals traded him.

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