Maikel Garcia’s season has taken another hit.
The Royals put Garcia on the Injured List with a hamstring strain after he left Saturday’s game against the Athletics in the first inning, when he hurt himself rounding third base. It’s another setback for the 26-year-old infielder, who had only just returned to the lineup on Monday after sitting out nearly two months with a hand injury.
To fill Garcia’s spot, Kansas City called up outfielder Matthew Lugo from Omaha. Lugo was claimed off waivers from the Angels on June 2 and has already logged big-league time this season, appearing in 31 games with Los Angeles and hitting .232/.243/.464 with four home runs.
Across Double-A and Triple-A for the Angels and Royals organizations, he posted a .265/.350/.473 line with 14 home runs in 100 games. The right-handed hitter can cover all three outfield spots, and he’s the nephew of former Royals outfielder Carlos Beltrán.
Garcia’s return this week came after a long stretch on the shelf, but the Royals will now have to wait again. Signed to a five-year extension last winter, he has put together a solid season when available, batting .269/.324/.385 with strong defense at third base and 2 WAR in 73 games. Nick Loftin has handled most of the work at third during Garcia’s absences.
Kansas City also made a pitching move, optioning Carlos Durán and recalling Jose Cuas from Omaha. Durán issued three walks and gave up two hits over 1.1 innings in two outings this week. Cuas had been sent down earlier this week despite posting a 1.64 ERA with 13 strikeouts in 11 innings.
In Other News...
Maikel Garcias Latest Injury Puts Royals Right Back In A Bind
Maikel Garcia had barely settled back into the Royals lineup after a 46-game absence for a left-hand muscle strain when the club was forced to watch him leave again, this time with a left hamstring injury against the As. The play was as routine as they come until Garcia pulled up rounding third base, a sudden setback that quickly sent Nick Loftin and John Rave into the game in his place.
For Kansas City, the timing only adds to an already frustrating stretch for a player the club has needed on the field. Garcia had dealt with a right hamstring strain earlier in the season and missed six games, so the latest issue puts the Royals right back in the same uncomfortable place, waiting to see how severe this one might be and what it means for a lineup that has already had to adjust around him. [Read more 🡒]
Royals Just Sent A Clear Message About Their Outfield Plans
The Royals moved quickly to reshape their outfield picture, cutting ties with veteran Starling Marte after designating him for assignment. It was the latest sign that Kansas City is willing to keep adjusting the edges of the roster as it tries to settle on the group it wants in place for the stretch ahead.
Marte is now a free agent and can sign with any club, giving him a chance to land elsewhere if a contender has a need. Kansas City will remain on the hook for the rest of his $1 million deal, while any new team would only owe the prorated league minimum for the time he spends on its roster. [Read more 🡒]
Royals Suddenly Have A Maikel Garcia Concern They Cant Ignore
Maikel Garcias day against the Athletics ended early when a lower-body injury, specifically a hamstring issue, forced the Royals to pull him from the game. It was a sudden jolt for a club that has leaned on Garcias versatility, and the defensive shuffle that followed only underscored how quickly one injury can change the shape of a game.
Nick Loftin slid from right field to third base to cover for Garcia, while John Rave came in to handle right field. The Royals said Garcia will be evaluated further before his status is announced later, leaving them to wait on an update that could matter well beyond one game. [Read more 🡒]