Catcher Matt Tupman, only the second UMass Lowell alumnus to ever play in the major leagues, was sent back to Triple-A Omaha today by the Royals. Tupman returns to the minors with a 1.000 batting average after getting a pinch single in his first major-league at-bat yesterday in the Royals’ 9-3 win over the Marlins in Miami.
Tupman, who was with the Royals for five days at the start of the season while backup catcher Miguel Olivo served a suspension but didn’t get into a game, was recalled last weekend. Regular catcher John Buck was place on the inappropriately-named bereavement list when he returned home to be with his wife, who gave birth to twins on Thursday. Buck returned to the Royals today, and Tupman was sent down before getting an opportunity to appear in front of family and friends at Fenway Park.
Tupman is a New Hampshire native.
Tupman is hitting .278 at Omaha with three doubles, four homers, and 13 RBI in 24 games.
Mike LaValliere, who caught for the Phillies, Cardinals, Pirates, and White Sox for 12 seasons from 1984-95, is the only other UML alumnus to play in the majors.