SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) Mike Moustakas could be back at third base for Kansas City on Saturday, one week after re-signing with the Royals.
Moustakas, who set a Royals season record with 38 home runs last year, had some at-bats in a minor league game Thursday.
”If he feels good, we’ll progress him to DHing Friday and maybe Saturday hit the field for maybe four innings,” Royals manager Ned Yost said.
Moustakas became a free agent, failed to attract a long-term deal he desired, then returned to the Royals for a one-year contract that guarantees $6.5 million.
Yost said he wants to use Cheslor Cuthbert some at first base.
”It’s just really lack of experience and playing time over there is all he needs,” Yost said. ”He’s been handling the nuances of the position with no problem.”
Yost said left-hander Danny Duffy will have his second straight opening-day start, against the Chicago White Sox on March 29, and be followed in the rotation by Ian Kennedy would start the second game.
Outfielder Bubba Starling, a 2011 first-round draft pick, almost certainly will start the season on the 60-day disabled list with a pulled oblique.
”I’ll be out for a good four weeks,” Starling said. ”It will be a few weeks into the season I miss. I’d rather do this than have it gradually get worse. I’ll take that over having it mess with me all year.”
He has not played since March 4, when he injured the oblique on a swing against Cincinnati.
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