Royals notebook: Bruised shin leaves Guillen questionable after record performance
By BOB DUTTON
The Kansas City Star
NEW YORK | Outfielder José Guillen is nursing a deep bruise on his left shin that puts availability in doubt when the Royals continue their four-game weekend wraparound series today against the New York Yankees.
Guillen suffered the injury in Saturday’s 12-11 loss when he fouled a ball off his shin in the sixth inning. He remained in the game and even capped an extraordinary individual performance by hitting a grand slam in the seventh.
In all, Guillen went three for four with two homers and a career-high seven RBIs. He also threw out two base runners from right field before exiting when the Royals took the field in the bottom of the seventh.
“We felt like we were in a position to get him off of (his leg), ice it and hopefully reduce the swelling,” manager Trey Hillman said. “We wanted to put him in a better position for (today’s) game.”
Guillen’s slam gave the Royals a 10-6 lead. He also had a two-run homer in the first inning and an RBI single in the third. He raised his average to season-high .262 and boosted his club-leading totals to nine homers and 45 RBIs.
He declined comment after the game on his performance, his injury and the game in general.
The slam was the fourth in Guillen’s career and the 100th in franchise history — but the first by the Royals in 238 games, dating to Ryan Shealy on Sept. 15, 2006, against the Mariners.
Umpire injured
Umpire Jerry Layne left the game after being struck on the chin of his mask by a foul bunt off the bat of Joey Gathright on the first pitch of the second inning. Layne staggered back and only kept his feet with assistance from Yankees catcher Jorge Posada.
A quick examination determined Layne was unable to continue. He was taken to a nearby hospital and diagnosed as having suffered a mild concussion. Plans called for him to remain in the hospital overnight.
The Yankees left the field while second-base umpire Jim Wolf returned to the umpire’s locker room to don a chest protector to replace Layne behind the plate.
The delay lasted 11 minutes before play resumed.
Back at short
Mike Aviles’ two doubles in Friday’s victory earned him a second straight start at shortstop. He went one for four with a triple and gained the distinction of drawing an intentional walk in his 10th big-league plate appearance.
The intentional walk loaded the bases in the seventh before Guillen’s grand slam.
Hillman also rested veteran second baseman Mark Grudzielanek and slumping third baseman Alex Gordon. The makeshift infield had Alberto Callaspo at second and Esteban German at third.
Gordon’s average is down to .263 after going hitless in his last 14 at-bats.
Third-round pick signs
The Royals have already signed right-hander Tyler Sample, their third-round pick in last week’s first-year player draft. Sample is an 18-year-old from Mullen Prep in Denver.
His is listed at 6 feet 7 and 240 pounds but is believed to be closer to 6-5 and 220. He possesses a mid-90s fastball and a plus knuckle-curve.
The one cautionary note: He underwent reconstructive elbow surgery as a sophomore.
“He’ll need to come in and have a physical like everyone does,” scouting director Deric Ladnier said.
“But the family has been very forthcoming with all of the medical information.
“With his size and delivery, our people were confident that this is just a bump in the road.”
@ Go to
KansasCity.com for a photo gallery and Bob Dutton’s vlog from Saturday’s game.
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