Kansas City Royals third baseman Mike Moustakas was placed on the disabled list Saturday with a thumb injury after originally trying to play through the ailment.
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Moustakas' Timetable Unclear With Thumb Issue
Saturday, May 7
Joel Goldberg of Fox Sports Kansas City confirmed the infielder was placed on the DL with a thumb fracture. He'll be replaced on the 25-man roster by Cheslor Cuthbert. Rustin Dodd of the Kansas City Star confirmed the move.
Moustakas originally missed some time earlier in the week while battling problems with his thumb. He returned to the starting lineup Wednesday but was held out again Friday after an off day. That signaled there was probably a bigger issue at hand.
It's unclear how long he could miss with the injury. The 27-year-old slugger has tallied seven home runs through 25 games so far this season.
He's coming off of a career year in 2015. He recorded highs with a .284 batting average and 22 home runs along with 82 RBI as he helped lead the Royals to their first World Series title in 30 years.
He proved that he can be a legitimate middle-of-the-order batter and could carry the offense as well.
However there was more work to be done heading into the 2016 season, speaking with Blair Kerkhoff of the Kansas City Star: "I’m going to keep trying to do what I did last year. And get better at it. I’m not going to try and change anything, I just want to continue improving on hitting the ball the other way. That’s where I had most of my success last year."
While Moustakas recovers, Christian Colon could step in at third base. Colon will be best known for his go-ahead single in the 12th inning of Game 5 of the World Series that delivered the title to Kansas City.
Kansas City is going to have plenty of competition in the AL Central this season with the Detroit Tigers, up-and-coming Cleveland Indians and the surprising Chicago White Sox. Without Moustakas, the Royals can't afford to slump or else they could lose their stronghold on the division.
Stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com
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