Right fielder Jose Guillen was placed on the 15-day disabled list Friday because of a Grade 2 partial tear of his right hip flexor. Guillen suffered the injury in the ninth inning Thursday while running to first base.
With Guillen out, manager Trey Hillman batted left-handed hitters David DeJesus, Mark Teahen and Alex Gordon third, fourth and fifth against Yankees left-hander Andy Pettitte. The three went a combined 1-for-12, with Teahen's ninth-inning, two-out infield single off Mariano Rivera the only hit from the trio. "Anytime you lose a guy that you're planning on hitting right in the middle, obviously that's a concern," Hillman said.
"We just have to adjust the best way we can. It is unfortunate we run into a quality left-hander on the first day Jose is out of the lineup. It forces you to rearrange things and stack lefties."
Hillman said Teahen probably will get the majority of the playing time in right with Guillen out.
"We'll play with that a little, but I would probably say that is the way we'll go," Hillman said.
Hillman said with the versatility of Teahen, who started the first three games at second base, and with Willie Bloomquist able to play the outfield, the Royals probably will not have to make another roster move to promote an outfielder.
YANKEES 4, ROYALS 1: RHP Sidney Ponson went six innings, allowing four runs on six hits and three walks, while striking out five in his Royals debut. The offense, however, managed only four hits. 1B Mike Jacobs double in the second scored DH Billy Butler, who had walked with the only Kansas City run.
