With 3B Alex Gordon out for 10 to 12 weeks after having hip surgery, Mark Teahen will get the majority of the playing time at third base. Teahen came up as a third baseman, but shifted to the outfield to make room for Gordon, who was the second player picked in the 2005 draft. Teahen opened this season at second base, his fourth different Opening Day position in as many years. Willie Bloomquist and Mitch Maier, who was called up Friday from Class AAA Omaha, will share time in right until Jose Guillen comes off the disabled list, which will probably be this week.
PLAYER NEWS: --RHP Joakim Soria, who has all four of the Royals' saves, has not pitched since April 20. Soria picked up a save that day with a scoreless inning against the Indians. Although Soria has not pitched in a week, manager Trey Hillman did not bring him in for a four-out save Sunday or in the ninth when the Rangers tied the score. The bullpen blew a two-run lead in the 6-5 loss.
--RHP Sidney Ponson, who starts Tuesday against the Indians, is 0-7 with an 8.60 ERA in 14 games, 13 of them starts, against Cleveland. He is 0-4 with a 9.45 ERA in seven games, including six starts, at Progressive Field.
--CF David DeJesus snapped an 0-for-9 with three hits Sunday, including his first home run. DeJesus raised his average from .186 to .234 with the 3-for-4 game.
MEDICAL WATCH:
3B Alex Gordon (torn labral cartilage) went on the 15-day disabled list April 15. He had surgery April 16 and could be out until the All-Star break.
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 Mark Teahen
INF Tony Pena Jr.
OUTFIELDERS:
LF David DeJesus
CF Coco Crisp
RF Mitch Maier
DH Billy Butler
OF/INF Willie Bloomquist
