But what might make him even happier is that he’ll probably play left field again tonight after playing the last five games as the designated hitter. Guillen has been hobbled by a hip injury that limits his running ability but hasn’t affected his swing.
“I’m still trying to wait and see,” Guillen said. “I’ve been getting treatment every morning. I’m really not too comfortable with that stuff. I’m going to do my best.”
Guillen was nine for 20 with seven RBIs in those five games at DH, including two for four with a homer and three RBIs on Thursday.
He’s 13 for 26 in his last seven games, raising his average 59 points to .224 and becoming the middle-of-the-order presence the Royals need.
Manager Trey Hillman said Guillen wanted to test his ability to play the outfield before Thursday’s game but was talked out of it.
“Hopefully everything’s good to go (today) in Florida,” Hillman said. “I’m hoping (Guillen can play left field). I can’t say I expect it, but I’m hoping. I can tell you guys this with no reservation, we’ve talked about it. José’s been very open. He hates DH. He doesn’t like it. He likes to be involved.”
Speaking of interleague …
Hillman also said Billy Butler will get the starts at first base against the Marlins, a sign that the coaching staff is growing more confident in Butler’s defense.
Another sign: Butler played the entire game Thursday at first base, even as David DeJesus replaced Ross Gload in left field for defense. Would’ve been easy to slide Gload to first and put Butler on the bench.
Butler hasn’t committed an error in 14 games at first base, though his range factor (7.15) is significantly lower than the league average for first basemen (8.65).
“It’s going to be my opportunity to show things even more,” Butler said. “I’ve had opportunities so far in American League games, which I’m grateful for. There’s no question I’m comfortable over there.”
Joakim Coy-ria
Royals closer Joakim Soria was dominant against the Tigers, retiring all six batters he faced (and making a few of them look silly) while picking up two saves.
Tigers manager Jim Leyland said there had to be more than just good control to account for Soria’s effectiveness, that there had to be a lot of deception in his delivery.
When asked about this, Soria wasn’t about to give up any secrets.
“I don’t know what he’s talking about,” Soria said, smiling. “No, no, no.”
Etc.
•The Tigers held a closed-door team meeting before Thursday’s game.
•Ramon Ramirez hasn’t allowed a run in 15 of his 17 appearances.
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