Left fielder David DeJesus is nursing tightness in his lower back and was held out of the Royals' lineup Thursday for the third time in four games.
"We're just trying to make sure we're monitoring it and looking ahead, we're going to play on the hard AstroTurf in the dome," manager Trey Hillman said of a three-game series beginning Friday at Minnesota. "We may mix and match when we get there and just try to keep guys healthy through this 20-game stretch (with no off days)." DeJesus said it is "pretty sore" walking around and trying to pick things up.
DeJesus is hitting .216 with two home runs and nine RBIs in 74 at-bats, while striking out 12 times. He went 3-for-17 on the Royals' just-completed six-game homestand with two of the hits Tuesday, his only start the past four days.
He entered the game as a defensive replacement in right field in the eighth inning Wednesday, but he did not have an at-bat.
"I'm hoping it's just some tight muscles," DeJesus said. He said the tightness probably came from taking extra swings.
ROYALS 8, BLUE JAYS 6: John Buck went 3-for-3, including two triples, and drove in five runs, matching his career high. Kyle Davies yielded three runs, seven hits and three walks in 5 2/3 innings to pick up the victory. Relievers Ron Mahay and Jamey Wright gave up three runs, allowing Toronto to slice into what was once a six-run lead.
