KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Ryan O’Hearn stood in front of his locker. He had just walked into the clubhouse after the Royals called him up. He wore shoes and athletic leggings, over which he attempted to fit his pants. It wasn’t working. It wasn’t going to work. So the first baseman untied the shoes and did things the old-fashioned way.



Once he looked like a ballplayer, O’Hearn started speaking about the frustration he felt when the Royals had optioned him early June, and the motivation that spurred him forward. Mid-answer, he learned who else had hopped in the car and headed toward Kansas City: Kyle Zimmer.



“Is he coming back?” O’Hearn asked.



The Royals’ communications staff nodded.



“Let’s go!” O’Hearn said, flexing his left arm in a fist pump.



The Royals were royally active this past week.



Last Saturday, they promoted 25-year-old right-handed pitcher Josh...