The Kansas City Royals announced Sunday that first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino has been placed on the 10-day injured list after sustaining a right hamate fracture.
The injury occurred during Saturday’s 8-7 defeat against the Houston Astros, when Pasquantino appeared to hurt himself while taking a swing in the fifth inning and had to leave the game.
Following his departure, the Royals reshuffled their lineup. Isaac Collins entered the game in left field, while Jac Caglianone moved from right field to cover first base. Lane Thomas then shifted from left field to right field to round out the adjustments.
Catcher Carter Jensen expressed how much the team will miss Pasquantino’s presence. “It stinks a lot. He’s a big part of our team,” Jensen said. “He’s a leader on this team, so seeing him go down, it’s never fun. But we’re backing him up and wishing him a speedy recovery [so he can] get back and help us win some games just like he does every night.”
Through 68 games this season, Pasquantino, 28, is posting a career-low .224 batting average with six home runs and 32 RBIs. Over five seasons with Kansas City, he carries a .260 career average with 76 homers and 294 RBIs. His standout 2024 campaign saw him slug 32 home runs and drive in 113 runs across 160 games.
In a corresponding move, the Royals called up outfielder John Rave from their Triple-A affiliate in Omaha. The 28-year-old Rave has been productive at that level this season, batting .278 with 10 home runs and 32 RBIs in 60 games. Last year with Kansas City, he hit .196 with four homers and 14 RBIs in 72 games.
