--CF Coco Crisp, who walked four times Tuesday, was not in the starting lineup for the first time this season Wednesday against the Mariners. OF Mitch Maier replaced him in center. "Coco hasn't had a day off the whole season," manager Trey Hillman said. "I really believe the most prudent thing to do is try to get him some rest at least close to the day off, where his body has a chance to recover." The Royals are in a stretch in which they are playing 20 consecutive days before an off day Monday.
--LHP John Bale, who had thyroid surgery in March and is on the disabled list, had a setback Wednesday in his first minor league rehab outing. Bale left after two-thirds of an inning and seven pitches for Class AA Northwest Arkansas with a cramp in his right gluteus maximus. Bale allowed one run on one hit. --SS Tony Pena Jr., who had surgery earlier this week to repair a fractured hamate bone, had a cast on his left hand in the Royals clubhouse Wednesday. Pena is able to throw and run, but he is unable to swing the bat or catch a ball. "I'll be back in a week," Pena said jokingly. He is expected to be out four to six weeks.
MEDICAL WATCH:
SS Tony Pena Jr. (fractured hamate bone in left hand) went on the 15-day disabled list May 3. He had surgery May 5, and he is expected to miss four to six weeks.
RHP Doug Waechter (right elbow strain) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 18. He began a minor league rehab assignment May 4.
3B Alex Gordon (torn cartilage in right hip) 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 was scheduled to begin a minor league rehab assignment May 5.
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 Luis Hernandez
OUTFIELDERS:
LF David DeJesus
CF Coco Crisp
RF Jose Guillen
OF Mitch Maier
DH Billy Butler
OF/INF Willie Bloomquist
