What happened: The Kansas City Royals have selected the contract of veteran catcher Luke Maile, adding him to the active roster. To make room, the club designated right-hander Eric Cerantola for assignment.
Why it matters: The move gives Kansas City an experienced backup option behind the plate, a low-cost depth play for a club sitting at 35-52 and well out of contention. Cerantola's designation opens a 40-man roster spot and puts his future with the organization in question.
By the numbers: Maile is a longtime major league catcher joining the Royals as roster depth. Kansas City enters the move at 35-52 on the season, scoring 4.1 runs per game while allowing 5.1.
What to watch: Watch whether Cerantola clears waivers and is outrighted or claimed by another club, and how Maile factors into the catching rotation.