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Yainer Diaz hit a comebacker to right-hander Lucas Erceg during Thursday’s game against the Astros. Erceg attempted to field the ball with his bare hand, knocking it down before picking it up and firing to first. The ball arrived at the bag at the same time as Diaz, who collided with Pasquantino as the first baseman tried to field the throw (video link from MLB.com). Both Erceg and Pasquantino were visibly injured and had to be removed from the game after the play. Manager Matt Quatraro informed reporters that both players would undergo X-rays, as per broadcaster Joel Goldberg.
Although the Royals have not provided an update on Erceg, the news on Pasquantino is devastating. He has been a crucial bat for the club this season, hitting 19 home runs while maintaining a low strikeout rate of 12.8%. His batting line of .262/.315/.446 translates to a wRC+ of 106, just 6% better than league average. The Royals have heavily relied on Pasquantino’s offensive contribution this year, with only a few other players on the team having an above-average wRC+.
Despite Pasquantino’s absence impacting the lineup, the Royals, with a record of 75-60, are in a tight battle for the Central division. They are currently 1.5 games behind the Guardians but hold a two-game lead over the Twins. Both the Royals and Twins occupy Wild Card spots, with Boston trailing by 3.5 games for the final slot.
With Pasquantino out, the Royals will have to navigate the rest of the regular season and potentially the playoffs while finding a solution at first base. Options include using Salvador Perez more frequently at first base and rotating him with Freddy Fermin behind the plate. The club could also look to players like Nick Loftin or CJ Alexander, who have had success in Triple-A but have yet to prove themselves in the majors.
The Royals may consider external options for offense, although their choices are limited given the passing of the trade deadline. Players like Tommy Pham and Robbie Grossman, who have reportedly been placed on waivers, could provide assistance at the DH spot. Any player claimed before September 1 would be eligible for the playoffs with their new team.
The coming days will reveal how the Royals adapt to Pasquantino’s absence. This marks another season marked by injury for Pasquantino, who had his 2023 campaign cut short by shoulder surgery. Despite playing 131 games this year, his season is now over, and he is set to undergo arbitration after 2025 and become a free agent after 2028.
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