Sweeping changes to Braves lineup as they search for a spark in San Diego

May 21, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Atlanta Braves designated hitter Dominic Smith (8) celebrates after scoring against the Miami Marlins during the sixth inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

As an offensive slump continues for the Braves, Tuesday’s lineup reflects a team trying a number of different things to try and figure things out in the second game of Atlanta’s series at the San Diego Padres.

Michael Harris II, who hit fifth in each of his three games since returning from another brief absence due to lower back discomfort, is back atop the lineup for Tuesday’s 9:40 p.m. EDT game at Petco Park.

Mauricio Dubón, who has been atop the lineup, takes Harris’ fifth spot in the lineup and will hold down the shortstop spot.

The Braves also moved Drake Baldwin, who is 1-for-25 with 15 strikeouts since homering in his first at-bat off his injured list stint, down from his customary second spot in the lineup to sixth while he works his way out of the slump.

Additionally, Rowdy Tellez will make his first start with the Braves as the designated hitter in the No. 8 lineup spot after he made five pinch-hit appearances in his first five games with Atlanta since he was promoted earlier this month.

That is happening because the Braves are playing a usual DH candidate in Dominic Smith in the field. He’ll hit cleanup and make his first start in left field since he was with the Mets in 2021.

The Padres are using Wandy Peralta as an opener, but are expected to use right-hander Griffin Canning (1-5, 6.64 ERA) as their bulk pitcher Tuesday.

Most of the Braves’ lineup hasn’t faced Canning much, considering he’s made just two career starts against Atlanta. Harris and Austin Riley are each tied for the second-most at-bats on the roster against Canning with four apiece.

Matt Olson, though, has extensive experience against Canning, dating back to each of their time in the American League West. Olson is only 4-for-19 (.211) against Canning, but has two homers, a double and three RBIs. Those are the only two Braves homers against Canning, but other batters have had more success against him, with a combined .303 batting average and .488 slugging percentage against him.

The Padres made less sweeping changes to their lineup, but did move Samad Taylor up from ninth in the order to second. Gavin Sheets replaces Ty France at first base after DHing Monday, and Sung-Mun Song is in at second base and hitting ninth.

No Padres hitters have faced Braves starter JR Ritchie, who is making his eighth career appearance (seventh start) and his second in a row against a National League West team.

It seems like runs may be a bit easier to come by this time on both sides with the pitching matchup at play. Does that work in the Braves’ favor to force a Wednesday rubber match?

Game Thread: Do you think the MLB will let us play our whole season at home?

BOSTON, MA - MAY 07: Members of the Tampa Bay Rays celebrate after defeating the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on Thursday, May 7, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Joe Sullivan/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

Go Rays!

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GameThread: Detroit Tigers vs. New York Yankees, 6:40 p.m.

Detroit Tigers Jahmai Jones (18) looks out at the scoreboard during his game against the Chicago White Sox at Comerica Park in Detroit on Sunday, June 21, 2026. | David Rodriguez-Munoz / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Detroit Tigers (34-44) vs. New York Yankees (46-31)

Time/Place: 6:40 p.m., Comerica Park
SB Nation Site: Pinstripe Alley
Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network
Pitching Matchup: RHP Casey Mize (2-4, 2.58 ERA) vs. LHP Carlos Rodón (3-2, 3.50 ERA)

PlayerGIPK%BB%GB%FIPfWAR
Mize1052.125.26.333.12.671.7
Rodón736.027.213.242.03.660.6

Lineups

YANKEESTIGERS
Ben Rice – DHKevin McGonigle – 3B
Jasson Dominguez – RFDillon Dingler – C
Cody Bellinger – LFMatt Vierling – CF
Paul Goldschmidt – 1BRiley Greene – LF
Jazz Chisholm – 2BSpencer Torkelson – 1B
Spencer Jones – CFJahmai Jones – DH
Jose Caballero – 3BHao-Yu Lee – 2B
Austin Wells – CZach McKinstry – SS
Anthony Volpe – SSBen Malgeri – RF

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2026 NBA Draft: Complete list of every pick from Round 1 and Round 2

It's been called the deepest NBA Draft Class since LeBron James entered the league in 2003 with Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. That's a lot to live up to, but there was enough belief in the quality of the top of this draft class — AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cam Boozer — that we suffered through record levels of tanking this year.

Follow here to see how this draft shakes out, with all the picks updated as Adam Silver announces them in Brooklyn.

FIRST ROUND

1. Washington Wizards

2. Utah Jazz

3. Memphis Grizzlies

4. Chicago Bulls

5. LA Clippers (from Indiana)

6. Brooklyn Nets

7. Sacramento Kings

8. Atlanta Hawks (from New Orleans)

9. Dallas Mavericks

10. Milwaukee Bucks

11. Golden State Warriors:

12. Oklahoma City Thunder (from LA Clippers)

13. Milwaukee Bucks (projected trade from Miami; Heat will make pick)

14. Charlotte Hornets

15. Chicago Bulls (from Portland)

16. Memphis Grizzlies (from Phoenix via Orlando)

17. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Philadelphia)

18. Charlotte Hornets (from Orlando via Phoenix)

19. Toronto Raptors

20. San Antonio Spurs (from Atlanta)

21. Detroit Pistons (from Minnesota)

22. Philadelphia 76ers (from Houston via Oklahoma City)

23. Atlanta Hawks (from Cleveland)

24. New York Knicks

25. Los Angeles Lakers

26. Denver Nuggets

27. Boston Celtics

28. Brooklyn Nets (projected trade from Minnesota, from Detroit)

29. Cleveland Cavaliers (from San Antonio via Atlanta)

30. Dallas Mavericks (from Oklahoma City via Washington and Philadelphia)

Second Round

31. New York Knicks (from Washington via Oklahoma City and Houston):

32. Memphis Grizzlies (from Indiana via Milwaukee)

33. Minnesota Timberwolves (proposed trade from Minnesota):

34. Sacramento Kings: F Baba Miller, Cincinnati

35. San Antonio Spurs (from Utah via Minnesota)

36. LA Clippers (from Memphis via Atlanta and Utah)

37. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Dallas)

38. Chicago Bulls (from New Orleans via Boston, Detroit, and Portland)

39. Houston Rockets (from Chicago via Washington)

40. Boston Celtics (from Milwaukee via Orlando)

41. Miami Heat (from Golden State via Charlotte, New York, Oklahoma City, and Atlanta)

42. San Antonio Spurs (from Portland via New Orleans)

43. Brooklyn Nets (from LA Clippers via Houston)

44. San Antonio Spurs (from Miami via Indiana)

45. Sacramento Kings (from Charlotte via San Antonio, Atlanta, and New York)

46. Orlando Magic

47. Phoenix Suns (from Philadelphia via Houston and Oklahoma City)

48. Dallas Mavericks (from Phoenix via Washington)

49. Denver Nuggets (from Atlanta via Brooklyn and Golden State)

50. Toronto Raptors

51. Washington Wizards (from Minnesota via Detroit and New York)

52. LA Clippers (from Cleveland)

53. Houston Rockets

54. Golden State Warriors (from Los Angeles Lakers via Toronto, Miami, and Cleveland)

55. New York Knicks

56. Chicago Bulls (from Denver via Minnesota, Phoenix, Charlotte, and Phoenix)

57. Atlanta Hawks (from Boston)

58. New Orleans Pelicans (from Detroit via New York, Brooklyn, Phoenix, Orlando, and LA Clippers)

59. Minnesota Timberwolves (from San Antonio via Indiana)

60. Washington Wizards (from Oklahoma City via San Antonio and Miami)

Devils trade Simon Nemec, Maxim Tsyplakov to Flames for picks, prospect

The Devils have made a move ahead of this week’s NHL Draft.

New Jersey sent defenseman Simon Nemec and winger Maxim Tsyplakov to the Calgary Flames in exchange for a prospect and a package of draft picks.

The first of those selections is the Rangers’ second rounder for this year, and the other two are conditional top-10 protected first-round picks via the Golden Knights and Avalanche. 

The Devils now hold six picks in this year’s draft, and a total of five first rounders over the next three years. 

Nemec landed in New Jersey as the second overall pick in the 2022 Draft. 

He played parts of three seasons after debuting with the club and is coming off his best statistical campaign to this point, finishing with 11 goals and 15 assists over 68 games. 

The 22-year-old RFA is set to receive a big payday this summer. 

Tsyplakov appeared in just 22 games down the stretch with the Devils after being acquired from the Islanders as part of the return for Ondrej Palat ahead of the trade deadline. 

Etienne Morin, the prospect sent to New Jersey, is a 22-year-old d-man who skated in 42 AHL games last season.

Devils trade Simon Nemec, Maxim Tsyplakov to Flames for picks, prospect

The Devils have made a move ahead of this week’s NHL Draft.

New Jersey sent defenseman Simon Nemec and winger Maxim Tsyplakov to the Calgary Flames in exchange for a prospect and a package of draft picks.

The first of those selections is the Rangers’ second rounder for this year, and the other two are conditional top-10 protected first-round picks via the Golden Knights and Avalanche. 

The Devils now hold six picks in this year’s draft, and a total of five first rounders over the next three years. 

Nemec landed in New Jersey as the second overall pick in the 2022 Draft. 

He played parts of three seasons after debuting with the club and is coming off his best statistical campaign to this point, finishing with 11 goals and 15 assists over 68 games. 

The 22-year-old RFA is set to receive a big payday this summer. 

Tsyplakov appeared in just 22 games down the stretch with the Devils after being acquired from the Islanders as part of the return for Ondrej Palat ahead of the trade deadline. 

Etienne Morin, the prospect sent to New Jersey, is a 22-year-old d-man who skated in 42 AHL games last season.

Mariners at Pirates: Game Preview and Discussion

Jul 4, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners left fielder Randy Arozarena (56) celebrates after hitting a solo home run during the fourth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images | Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images

The Mariners kick off a road trip in Pittsburgh, returning them to the sweaty mid-Atlantic region they’d just escaped a week ago. George Kirby will take the mound against the famously right-handed Mitch Keller, and all the lefty bats in Seattle rejoiced. Get up to speed on the Pirates in the series preview here.

Lineups:

Roster moves and injury updates:

If you missed it in the lineup graphic, Randyland is back in the board game cabinet. Connor Joe has been returned to Tacoma, as the team continues to put off a decision about what to do with the struggling Rob Refsnyder. More on the impact of having Randy back from John here, and more on Refsnyder from Nick here.

Other injury updates: Dominic Canzone tested out that balky hamstring with some running today and reportedly felt good; he was planning to hit in the cages pregame and will be evaluated again postgame, but remains out of the lineup today.

Today’s game information:

Game time: 3:40 PT

TV: Mariners TV, with Aaron Goldsmith and Angie Mentink

Radio: 710 AM Seattle Sports, with Gary Hill and Shannon Drayer

New York Yankees @ Detroit Tigers: Carlos Rodón vs. Casey Mize

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MAY 10: Carlos Rodon #55 of the New York Yankees throws a pitch in the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on May 10, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) | Getty Images

June has, in general, been a good month for the Yankees. Despite losing multiple outfielders to injury, the team has not only kept its head above water, but has also surpassed the Rays for the AL East lead (which currently sits at two games). Despite some commendable play over the first three weeks, though, they enter tonight’s action in the Motor City on a three-game losing streak with Skubal Day looming tomorrow.

Carlos Rodón will look to put a stop to the skid in his eighth start of the season. Through his first seven, he’s pitched to a 3.50 ERA (120 ERA+) and 3.65 FIP in 36 innings. He’s been-well acquainted with the AL Central lately in particular, making his last three starts against the Guardians and White Sox. In each of his last five starts, he’s allowed three runs or fewer and pitched at least five innings, the epitome of steadiness.

Casey Mize will get the start for the Tigers, making his 11th start. With Tarik Skubal’s injury, he’s probably been their most effective starter of the season, pitching to a 2.58 ERA (168 ERA+) and 2.66 FIP in 52.1 innings. He’s potentially in line to make a second straight All-Star appearance, but could be limited by his struggles to go deep in games. The 2018 No. 1 overall pick has finished five innings in just 6 of his 10 starts.

Mize’s peripherals have improved significantly since 2025, as he’s giving up softer contact, striking out more batters, and continuing to be very stingy with walks. His big weakness this year has been a very low ground-ball rate, but it’s manageable when the fly balls you’re giving up are more popups than barrels. He has a four-pitch mix, throwing his fastball, slider, and splitter evenly against lefties while adding in his sinker against righties.

Ben Rice will lead off as the designated hitter, followed by Jasson Domínguez, Cody Bellinger, and Paul Goldschmidt. Jazz Chisholm Jr. stays in the lineup despite Lollipop-gate, as Spencer Jones bats sixth in center field. José Caballero moves to third base in place of the ill Ryan McMahon and bats seventh, followed by Austin Wells and Anthony Volpe. In case you missed it, J.C. Escarra is back with the team backing up Wells with Ali Sánchez out on paternity leave.

The outstanding rookie Kevin McGonigle will lead off again for Detroit, followed by a lot of righty platoon bats. Dillon Dingler jumps up to second in the order, followed by Matt Vierling. After Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson in the heart of the order, former Yankee Jahmai Jones slides in at sixth. Hao-Yu Lee, Zach McKinstry, and rookie Ben Malgeri (making his MLB debut) round out the lineup.

How to watch

Location: Comerica Park — Detroit, MI

First pitch: 6:40 pm ET

TV broadcast: YES, Detroit SportsNet

Radio broadcast: WFAN 660/101.9 FM, WADO 1280 (NYY), WXYT 97.1 FM, LaZ WDTW 1310AM/207.9 FM (DET)

Online stream: Gotham Sports App, MLB.tv (out-of-market only)

For updates, follow us on BlueSky, Twitter, and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

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Washington Nationals vs Philadelphia Phillies Game Thread

WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 22: Nasim Nuñez #26 and CJ Abrams #5 of the Washington Nationals celebrate after winning the game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Nationals Park on June 22, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Nats took game one of a massive 4 game set against the Phillies thanks to a dominant outing by Foster Griffin. Now, they will look to take full control of the series tonight in game two. A win tonight would be a true statement for the upstart Nats.

With a lefty on the mound, Blake Butera made some tweaks. Daylen Lile is getting the day off. Butera mentioned that Lile has been frustrated with himself lately, and with a tough southpaw on the mound, this was a good time to give him a breather. Curtis Mead will move to first, meaning Jorbit Vivas will play third. Andres Chaparro will be the DH. PJ Poulin will open and Zack Littell will follow him.

The Phillies are also making a few alterations to their lineup. We will see Justin Crawford and Gabriel Rincones for the first time this series in the outfield. Veteran catcher JT Realmuto will be back behind the plate tonight. He will be catching southpaw Jesus Luzardo, a former Nats draft pick.

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Game Info:

Stadium: Nationals Park

Time: 6:45 PM EST

TV: Nationals.TV

Radio: 106.7 The Fan

After dropping game one, the Phillies will be ready to roll tonight. Will the Nats have what it takes to hold off this veteran laden squad for a second straight night? We will find out shortly. Follow along in the comments down below and let’s go Nats!

Mets vs. Cubs: Lineups, broadcast info, and open thread, 6/23/26

Apr 26, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Kodai Senga (34) at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images | Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Mets lineup

Carson Benge – RF
Bo Bichette – SS
Juan Soto – LF
Jared Young – 1B
A.J. Ewing – CF
Marcus Semien – 2B
Brett Baty – 3B
MJ Melendez – DH
Francisco Alvarez – C

Kodai Senga – RHP

Cubs lineup

Pete Crow-Armstrong – CF
Alex Bregman – 3B
Michael Busch – 1B
Seiya Suzuki – DH
Ian Happ – LF
Matt Shaw – RF
Nico Hoerner – 2B
Carson Kelly – C
Dansby Swanson – SS

Edward Cabrera – RHP

Broadcast info

First pitch: 7:10 PM EDT
TV: SNY
Radio: Audacy Mets Radio WHSQ 880AM, Audacy App, 92.3 HD2

Royals vs. Rays June 23 game discussion

ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - JUNE 22: Michael Massey #19 of the Kansas City Royals reacts after scoring in the second inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on June 22, 2026 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Kansas City Royals play Spring Training in Arizona, but here in St. Pete, Florida, the lineup they’re running out might as well be a Spring Training lineup. No Bobby Witt Jr., no Maikel Garcia, no Kyle Isbel, no Vinnie Pasquantino, no Jonathan India, no Cole Ragans. That’s because all of those players are injured. Instead, we get the privilege of watching Tyler Tolbert, Nick Loftin, Kameron Misner, Michael Massey, Lane Thomas, and Luinder Avila.

To be fair, a lot of Kansas City’s role players are doing pretty well. Loftin, Thomas, and Massey in particular have exceeded expectations, and Avila has been more or less what you’d expect as the, like, eighth-best starter in the org.

But still, it’s a bummer to not see Witt. At least we get to see the newly-bedazzled Tropicana Field, which looks significantly better thanks to a new roof. Amazing what a little light can do to the place—some, say, rays of light.

Ok, fine. Sorry. Actually, no I’m not.

Royals lineup

Rays lineup

TBD

This Canadiens Potential Trade Target Is No Longer An Option

One of the Montreal Canadiens' top goals this off-season should be to bring in another right-shot defenseman. 

Unfortunately for the Habs, one of the top right-shot defenseman trade candidates is no longer a potential option for them. 

This is because the Calgary Flames have acquired defenseman Simon Nemec from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for the Vegas Golden Knights' 2027 first-round pick, the Colorado Avalanche's 2028 first-round pick, the New York Rangers' 2026 second-round pick, and defenseman Etienne Morin. The Flames also added forward Maxim Tsyplakov from the Devils in the deal. 

With Nemec being a 22-year-old right-shot defenseman with high potential, he would have had the potential to be an excellent addition to the Canadiens' roster. He could have fit very nicely in the Canadiens' young core, but alas, he is heading to the Flames instead. 

With Nemec no longer available, the Canadiens will need to consider other options if they hope to land a new right-shot defenseman this off-season. The top right-shot defenseman trade candidates right now are Dougie Hamilton, Braden Schneider, and Rasmus Ristolainen. This year's top pending UFA options currently are John Carlson, Rasmus Andersson, and Jacob Trouba. 

This Canadiens Potential Trade Target Is No Longer An Option

One of the Montreal Canadiens' top goals this off-season should be to bring in another right-shot defenseman. 

Unfortunately for the Habs, one of the top right-shot defenseman trade candidates is no longer a potential option for them. 

This is because the Calgary Flames have acquired defenseman Simon Nemec from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for the Vegas Golden Knights' 2027 first-round pick, the Colorado Avalanche's 2028 first-round pick, the New York Rangers' 2026 second-round pick, and defenseman Etienne Morin. The Flames also added forward Maxim Tsyplakov from the Devils in the deal. 

With Nemec being a 22-year-old right-shot defenseman with high potential, he would have had the potential to be an excellent addition to the Canadiens' roster. He could have fit very nicely in the Canadiens' young core, but alas, he is heading to the Flames instead. 

With Nemec no longer available, the Canadiens will need to consider other options if they hope to land a new right-shot defenseman this off-season. The top right-shot defenseman trade candidates right now are Dougie Hamilton, Braden Schneider, and Rasmus Ristolainen. This year's top pending UFA options currently are John Carlson, Rasmus Andersson, and Jacob Trouba. 

Cincinnati Reds vs. Milwaukee Brewers – Nick Lodolo vs. Brandon Sproat

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 23: Nick Lodolo #40 celebrates the win with Elly De La Cruz #44 of the Cincinnati Reds after throwing a complete game shutout against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on July 23, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images) | Getty Images

On the plus side, the Cincinnati Reds got an excellent start from righty Brady Singer on Monday during the series opener against the Milwaukee Brewers. After completely falling on his face to begin the 2026 season, the pending free agent has turned things around lately, pitching to just a 1.64 ERA in 22.0 IP across his most recent four starts, his 23/9 K/BB every bit as important as the overall results.

The bad news, of course, is that he’s pitching his way into prime ‘get traded’ form as the Reds continue to lose games they put themselves in position to win. Singer’s great start last night didn’t hold up as the Reds failed to score off Brewers starter Brandon Woodruff, and they eventually lost 2-1 in extra innings on a Tony Santillan wild pitch.

The Aristoreds!

Anyway, they’ll turn things over to another veteran who has struggled both with blisters this year and with overall success in Nick Lodolo. They need him now, more than ever, if they’re going to dig themselves out of last place in the NL Central and back into the playoff chase.

The news of the day, of course, is the return of Elly De La Cruz. He was activated this morning at Will Benson’s expense, and he’s in the lineup hitting 2nd for the Reds already. Notable in the roster shuffle was the team’s decision to keep Edwin Arroyo up despite a suddenly crowded middle infield, but it’s Arroyo in the lineup at 2B tonight over the struggling Matt McLain. Keep an eye on that going forward!

Brandon Sproat will start for Milwaukee, while it’ll be Lodolo throwing the game’s first pitch at 7:10 PM ET.

Lineups for both clubs below. Go Reds!

Today’s Lineups

BREWERSREDS
Jackson Chourio – LFBlake Dunn – CF
Brice Turang – 2BElly De La Cruz – SS
William Contreras – DHJJ Bleday – LF
Andrew Vaughn – 1BSal Stewart – 1B
Jake Bauers – RFNathaniel Lowe – DH
Gary Sanchez – CEugenio Suarez – 3B
Blake Perkins – CFNoelvi Marte – RF
Cooper Pratt – SSJose Trevino – C
Joey Ortiz – 3BEdwin Arroyo – 2B
Brandon Sproat – RHPNick Lodolo – LHP

Royals anticipate surgery for Cole Ragans

Apr 8, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Cole Ragans (55) talks to staff after being hit in the hand by a ball hit by Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (not pictured) during the first inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Don’t expect Cole Ragans back anytime soon for the Royals.

The All-Star left-hander has been out since May 6 with an elbow impingement, and the update provided by manager Matt Quatraro today was not exactly encouraging. The skipper indicated that they expect Ragans will need elbow surgery. The Royals will seek a second opinion, but Quatraro told reporters, “We anticipate it being surgical.”

Ragans exited after just three innings of a start against the Guardians on May 6 with the elbow injury. He made one rehab appearance for Triple-A Omaha in late May but did not respond well afterward and was shut down. The Royals sent him for an MRI last week, but the results were inconclusive.

Ragans has undergone Tommy John surgery twice, a procedure used to repair a torn UCL, a ligament in the elbow. He first had the surgery in 2018 while with the Rangers and underwent it again in 2019. The latest elbow injury does not necessarily mean he has re-injured the UCL, but it is another setback for the 28-year-old. He missed three months last year with a left rotator cuff strain.

The Royals’ pitching staff is already dealing with injuries to Kris Bubic, Ryan Bergert, Carlos Estévez, and Nick Mears. The Injured List also includes hitters Vinnie Pasquantino, Maikel Garcia, Jonathan India, and Kyle Isbel, while Bobby Witt Jr. has missed the last few days with a knee injury.