Joakim Soria, who is 1-0 with seven saves in as many chances, has been placed on the disabled list with rotator cuff inflammation, so the Royals' bullpen will be going through a transformation with its All-Star closer absent.
Manager Trey Hillman said he would use a closer-by-committee approach in Soria's absence. Juan Cruz, who picked up his second career save on April 30 and is 2-0 with a 1.88 ERA, will likely get the first chance to close games. Hillman hinted he could use Jamey Wright in that role. Wright is 0-for-1 with an 1.83 ERA in 19 2/3 innings in that role.
If the opponent has multiple left-handed hitters coming up in the ninth, Hillman could turn to Ron Mahay, who has four career saves.
Soria had pitched in only three of the previous 16 games because of the tender shoulder.
"For the last two weeks, we've been in the same situation pretty much," Hillman said. "I was trying to make sure I didn't do anything to increase any of the inflammation that he's had. So at some point you have to decide if you want to get it calmed down now rather than possibly going two or three days without him."
Soria will be eligible to return on May 23 when the Royals play at St. Louis. He believes it should not take any longer than 15 days.
"It's not going away, so I'm going to have to take time to get ready for an entire season," Soria said. "I think it's too early in the season to be pitching like that. I think the better thing is to be put on the DL and see what happens after the 15 days."
