MIAMI (AP) -Kansas City Royals catcher John Buck was granted three days of bereavement leave because of health concerns for his wife, Brooke, after she gave birth to twins.

Cooper and Brody were born 12 weeks prematurely Thursday evening, and Buck did not accompany the Royals to Miami for their weekend series against the Florida Marlins.

The Royals recalled catcher Matt Tupman from Triple-A Omaha to fill the roster spot.Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.