The Kansas City Royals activated first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino from the injured list Friday, more than three weeks after he fractured his right hamate bone. Pasquantino sustained the injury on June 13 and was initially expected to miss up to six weeks. He met his goal of returning before the All-Star break after a successful rehabilitation stint.

Pasquantino played in three games for Triple-A Omaha, going 4-for-11 with three walks and an RBI. He stated his hand feels normal and he is comfortable returning to play. The 28-year-old is hitting .224 with six home runs and 32 RBIs this season, a significant drop from his career highs last year. He expressed a desire to improve his performance in the second half.

Manager Matt Quatraro indicated Pasquantino was available to pinch hit for the series opener against the Baltimore Orioles. The Royals also recalled right-hander Eli Morgan from Omaha, optioning outfielder Kameron Misner and pitcher Jose Cuas.