Royals getting to see Mondesi in big leagues

KANSAS CITY — Back in Spring Training, Royals general manager Dayton Moore and manager Ned Yost had several discussions about infielder Raul Mondesi, the team’s No. 1 prospect.

Those talks centered on the proper time to launch Mondesi’s big league career. That time came in Tuesday night’s 13-0 loss to the Angels as Mondesi made his regular season debut, going hitless in three at-bats. He also made an error and started a double play.

“We thought that we’d get him about half a season in the Minors,” Yost said, “and then if the need was there, bring him up then.”

The need is there. With rookie second baseman Whit Merrifield entrenched in a miserable slump (5-for-45) and the team having lost 13 of 18 entering Tuesday, the Royals recalled Mondesi from Triple-A Omaha on Tuesday and optioned Merrifield to the same affiliate.

Mondesi was in the starting lineup on Tuesday against the Angels. He will turn 21 on Wednesday.

“He’s ready,” Yost said. “Dayton has always said about him that he plays ‘up.'”

Playing up is playing to the level of competition. The Royals believe Mondesi will play better in the big leagues than he did in the Minors. And Mondesi was pretty good in 14 games at Triple-A this season, hitting .304 and slugging at .536.

Mondesi, who actually made his Major League debut in …

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