The Kansas City Royals announced Tuesday that they’ve placed center fielder Lorenzo Cain on the 15-day disabled list with a hamstring strain. They are recalling outfielder Brett Eibner from Triple-A Omaha in his place. Cain sustained the injury in last night’s game while attempting to beat out an infield single.
Lorenzo Cain Out with Hamstring Strain
Although Cain hasn’t enjoyed quite the same level of production this season as he did in 2015, he’s still been a very valuable piece for the Royals in 2016. At about the halfway point in the season, he’s batting .290 with eight home runs, and provides a commanding defensive presence in center field. The injury to Cain leaves Kansas City with an outfield consisting of Alex Gordon, Jarrod Dyson, and Paulo Orlando as its regular unit for the time being.
Dyson doesn’t come with the same offense firepower as Lorenzo Cain, which could hurt a Royals lineup that is 23rd in the majors in runs scored. Still reeling from the Mike Moustakas ACL injury, the club isn’t exactly prepared to lose yet another one of its main contributors.
The Royals are facing a six-game deficit in the American League Central as they look to defend their World Series title. Even still, they’re four games over the .500 mark and just a half game back from one of the two American League Wild Card positions. While they may not be playing poorly at the moment, the division-leading Cleveland Indians are riding a ten-game win streak at the moment. The Royals may need reinforcements if they intend to overtake Cleveland.
The loss of Cain could impart a greater sense of urgency to bolster the current roster. However, any assumptions as to how the Royals will proceed should be subdued until the severity of Cain’s injury is known.
Main Photo:
