PEORIA, Ariz. ? The Kansas City Royals on Monday optioned first baseman Justin Huber to Class AAA Omaha of the Pacific Coast League.

Huber, who is from Melbourne, Australia, hit .391 in spring training, but had only 23 at-bats as he missed several games because of a hamstring injury. Huber has hit .216 in 30 big-league games the past two seasons. He won the Texas League batting title in 2005.

The Royals also optioned to Omaha infielder Andres Blanco, who hit .263 in 19 games.

Catcher Adam Donachie rejoined the Royals on Monday after clearing waivers. He was in camp with the Baltimore Orioles as a Rule 5 pick and hit .263 with one home run and four RBIs in 16 games. The Royals paid $25,000, half the $50,000 drafting price, to get Donachie back and assigned him to their Omaha roster.

General manager Dayton Moore also said right-

hander Luke Hudson, who was projected as the No. 5 starter, would begin the season on the disabled list with soreness in his shoulder. Either Brandon Duckworth, a non-roster invitee, or Brian Bannister likely will replace Hudson in the rotation.