The team needed a spot for top prospect Jac Caglianone, so they decided to send Blanco to the minors. It’s a bit of an odd move since Blanco is a strong fourth outfielder and elite baserunner, but the Royals don’t seem to believe their current MLB team needs that skillset.

The 32-year-old speedster had been sidelined since the end of March due to right Achilles tendinopathy. The pinch-running specialist will add another element to the Royals’ late-game arsenal for their weekend series against the Cardinals.

Blanco dealt with the problem this spring, too, so the Royals are going to give him some rest here. The pinch-running specialist swiped two bases and scored twice while getting one at-bat in the Royals’ first three games.

Blanco, 31, is considered day-to-day. The speedy outfielder will take a seat with Joey Wiemer getting the start in the outfield in Blanco’s absence.