With RHP Joakim Soria nursing a sore shoulder, the Royals have a big vacancy at the end of their bullpen. While manager Trey Hillman said he would use a closer-by-committee while Soria heals, RHP Juan Cruz, who is 1-0 with a 2.08 ERA in seven appearances, could be the first option. C Brayan Pena was designated for assignment when RF Jose Guillen came off the disabled list. He was deemed expendable as the third catcher.
PLAYER NEWS: --LF David DeJesus, who was in a 1-for-17 (.059) skid in his past five games, did not start Monday.
--DH/1B Mike Jacobs, who is hitless in his past 14 at-bats, did not start Monday.
--OF Willie Bloomquist, who had started in right and at second base, made his first start in left field, replacing the benched David DeJesus. Bloomquist tripled in the fourth for his second extra-base hit in 11 games. He had only two extra-base hits last season with the Mariners. His triple was his first since Aug. 25, 2006 against the Red Sox.
--C John Buck replaced the benched Mike Jacobs as the DH.
--RHP Brian Bannister walked six Blue Jays, matching his career high. It was the third time in his career he has walked six, the previous time on June 23, 2008 against the Rockies. "That's uncharacteristic for him," manager Trey Hillman said.
MEDICAL WATCH:
RHP Joakim Soria (right shoulder) was injured warming up on April 18 and hasn't pitched since April 22.
OF Jose Guillen (torn right hip flexor tendon) went on the 15-day disabled list April 10. He was activated April 25.
RHP Doug Waechter (right elbow strain) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 18. He did not believe the injury was serious.
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.
LHP John Bale (thyroid surgery on March 3) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 27. He pitched in extended spring training on April 22, and he might soon begin a minor league rehab assignment.
ROTATION:
RHP Gil Meche
RHP Zack Greinke
RHP Kyle Davies
RHP Sidney Ponson
RHP Brian Bannister
BULLPEN:
RHP Joakim Soria (closer)
RHP Kyle Farnsworth
LHP Ron Mahay
RHP Juan Cruz
LHP Horacio Ramirez
RHP Robinson Tejada
RHP Jamey Wright
CATCHERS:
Miguel Olivo
John Buck
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 Jose Guillen
OF Mitch Maier
DH Billy Butler
OF/INF Willie Bloomquist
