Almonte could pick up a spot start Thursday against the Yankees if Nathan Karns (forearm) is unable to pitch, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.
Karns' status is still unknown, but it's certainly a good sign that the 24-year-old is in the mind of manager Ned Yost when potential replacements are being considered. Almonte has yet to make an appearance in the big leagues this season, but he possesses a 1.86 ERA and 0.97 WHIP in six starts and a relief appearance for Double-A Northwest Arkansas.