OF Jose Guillen is on the 15-day disabled list with a partially torn right hip flexor tear. In his absence, manager Trey Hillman has used Mark Teahen and Willie Bloomquist in right field. Teahen has already started at three different positions -- second, third and right and has been used at first base late in games. Teahen started a game at third when 3B Alex Gordon missed 2 1/2 games with a sore right hip. RHP Sidney Ponson's contract was purchased from Class AAA Omaha, and he is the Royals' No. 4 starter. Manager Trey Hillman used three right fielders and three third basemen in the first week because of the injuries to Guillen and Gordon.
PLAYER NEWS: --LHP Horacio Ramirez, the Royals' No. 5 starter, was used out of the bullpen Thursday. He retired one of the three Indians he faced, giving up a hit and a walk but not allowing a run in the ninth. With the Royals off Thursday and Monday, Ramirez's next turn in the rotation will not be until April 26 against the Tigers. He will make only two starts before May.
--CF Coco Crisp tripled and scored in the seventh. He leads the American League with three triples, which matches his 2008 total. Nine of his 29 career triples have been at Kauffman Stadium.
--C John Buck, who hit two homers, including a grand slam, Tuesday, was the Royals' cleanup hitter and designated hitter Wednesday. Buck went 0-for-3, striking out twice, and walked. Buck was the fourth different No. 4 hitter used by manager Trey Hillman in the first nine games.
MEDICAL WATCH:
3B Alex Gordon (sore right hip) left the April 11 game and did not play April 12 or 13. He returned to action April 14.
OF Jose Guillen (torn right hip flexor tendon) went on the 15-day disabled list April 10. He is expected to return as soon as he is eligible.
LHP John Bale (thyroid surgery on March 3) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 27. When he regains his strength and stamina, he will be activated, but he likely will pitch at least one or two games on a minor league rehab assignment first.
ROTATION:
RHP Gil Meche
RHP Zack Greinke
RHP Kyle Davies
RHP Sidney Ponson
LHP Horacio Ramirez
BULLPEN:
RHP Joakim Soria (closer)
RHP Kyle Farnsworth
LHP Ron Mahay
RHP Juan Cruz
RHP Doug Waechter
RHP Robinson Tejada
RHP Jamey Wright
CATCHERS:
Miguel Olivo
John Buck
Brayan Pena
INFIELDERS:
1B Mike Jacobs
2B Alberto Callaspo
SS Mike Aviles
3B Alex Gordon
INF/OF Willie Bloomquist
INF Tony Pena Jr.
OUTFIELDERS:
LF David DeJesus
CF Coco Crisp
RF Mark Teahen
DH Billy Butler
