The Kansas City Royals dropped a heartbreaker in the eighth inning of Thursdays game. Not only did Houston’s four-run eighth inning hand the team their 60th loss of the season. The inning would also hand the Royals perhaps their worst possible loss of season in a different way.
A hard ball back to the mound hit off of pitcher Lucas Erceg‘a hand, rolling toward the third base side between the mound and home plate. Erceg was able to recover, but his throw went to the right, carrying Vinnie Pasquantino toward the base line. Pasquantino was unable to make the catch, colliding with the runner at first base.
The result of the play was injuries to to key members of Kansas City’s recent surge up the standings. With tests and x-rays now complete, we’ve learned that Pasquantino suffered a broken thumb. He will now mix six to eight weeks on the injured list, potentially sidelining him for nearly the entire postseason slate.
The Royals will now have a decision to make at first base. Salvador Perez has been the team’s best defender at first, and Freddy Fermin seems more than up to the task of taking on full time catching duties. In Omaha, reinforcements aren’t stellar and include Devin Mann or Nick Loftin. First baseman Nick Pratto could be a factor, but hasn’t played recently despite remaining on the active roster.
Word on Erceg will be updated as received.