KANSAS CITY -- It’s Opening Day, and the Royals officially announced the 26 players they will begin the 2025 season with on Thursday afternoon.\n\nWhile there aren’t any major surprises after the roster moves earlier this week indicated the Royals’ Opening Day roster, the biggest news is that Vinnie Pasquantino is on the roster five days after he suffered a right hamstring strain on Saturday, the final day the Royals played in Arizona.
An intense week of rehab and recovery has the Royals’ slugger ready to go. He got through another full workout with no setbacks on Wednesday at Kauffman Stadium, allowing the Royals to slot him in as their designated hitter and No. 3 in the lineup on Thursday. Pasquantino said he could have played first base, but the smart move was to DH with the off-day on Friday. By Saturday, he could be back on the field.\n\n“Anybody that asked me what my goals are for the season, it’s to be available for every game,” said Pasquantino, who has missed time each of the past two seasons. “We were running a little close there. But we’re available today, and that’s all that matters.”\n\n“Every game is just as important as the next, but obviously the opener’s got a little more excitement to it,” general manager J.J. Picollo said Thursday morning. “You’d like to go home with a win tonight. Having him in the lineup gives us a better chance. The more left-hand hitters we can get in the lineup, the better. We feel good about it.”\n\nThat lefty-hitting group also includes utility man Cavan Biggio, who is hitting eighth and playing first base. After signing a Minor League deal with the Royals and fighting for a bench spot all spring, Biggio’s contact was selected to the 40-man roster on Thursday morning. There are now 39 players on the 40-man roster.
**Catcher (2):
**First baseman: (1):
**Second baseman (2):
**Shortstop (1):
**Third baseman (1):
**Outfielders (3):
**Bench/Utility (3): OF
**Starting pitchers (5):
**Relief pitchers (8):