The Royals announced on Saturday they are picking up the $6-million option on outfielder David DeJesus’ contract for next season.

Only the timing was a surprise. The Royals had until Oct. 15 to exercise the club option.

The option was an addition to a five-year, $13.8-million deal that DeJesus signed with the Royals that ran from 2006 through this season. He earned $4.6 million this year.

DeJesus, 30, was lost for the season on July 22 when he jammed his glove hand into the center field wall trying for a catch at Yankee Stadium. He underwent surgery four days later.

In 91 games this season, DeJesus hit .318 with five homers and 37 RBIs. He was the Royals’ leadoff batter for most of his eight years with the club but he batted third most often this season.
<p>
Although he played center field most of his career, he moved to left field in 2009 and to right field this year.

–Dick Kaegel