The Royals seem to have dodged a potential setback with infielder Jonathan India. He left the game against the Guardians due to some tightness in his right quad. After the match, manager Matt Quatraro reassured reporters that the situation is mild. While India didn’t feel better during the game, there’s hope he won’t need to go on the injured list. The team plans to evaluate him further tomorrow.
India, 28, previously played four seasons as the main second baseman for the Cincinnati Reds. He joined the Royals in a trade that also brought outfielder Joey Wiemer to Kansas City. Lately, India has been filling in at third base and left field while also leading off. So far, he hasn’t hit well, with a .216 average, but his strong plate discipline stands out. His strikeout and walk rates are both at 13.3%, indicating he can find ways to improve his performance over time.
If India does need some days off, Maikel Franco might take over at third base, while Cavan Biggio and Drew Waters could cover the outfield. The Royals are already dealing with injuries; veteran Mark Canha is on the injured list due to an adductor strain. Quatraro mentioned that Canha’s issue is also mild, suggesting he won’t be sidelined for long.
Canha joined the Royals after a stint with the Brewers but had a strong start, batting .357 over his first seven games. Given the Royals’ struggles in the outfield last season, Canha could see more playing time once he returns.
On a more positive note, Kyle Wright is progressing well in his return from shoulder surgery. He recently threw two innings and followed up with a successful bullpen session. Wright missed most of the 2023 season and all of 2024 due to surgery and a hamstring issue. Now back on the mound, he may be ready to rejoin the big leagues next month, which could shift veteran Michael Lorenzen to the bullpen.
The Royals face challenges, but with key players recovering, there’s a chance for improvement ahead. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how these developments play out in the current season. For more detailed insights into player performance and injury impacts in baseball, you can check trusted resources like the MLB website.
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