Royals’ latest lineup: James Shields faces Cubs, Escobar still out

Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar won’t play in a game until Wednesday, manager Ned Yost said. Escobar is still recovering from a cortisone shot on Wednesday to combat the inflammation in his right shoulder.

After an injection, a player generally requires three days off. Then Escobar needs a few days to start a throwing program.

Yost has said Escobar requires about 10 days of action to be ready for the season. Second baseman Omar Infante has not reported any issues since returning to action from a similar condition this week. He missed 11 days in the field with a sore arm.

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Ramon Hernandez is still considered in the mix for the backup catching spot, but he has yet to actually catch a game. His sore knee has limited him to only playing first base. Yost hopes he can catch a game on Sunday.

"We’ll see how he feels," Yost said.

Brett Hayes appears in good position to back up Salvador Perez. But Adam Moore is also still in camp. "If you’re here," Yost said, "you’re still in the mix."

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The Royals optioned former first-round pick Christian Colon to Class AAA Omaha on Friday afternoon. He will play every day there, and rotate between second base, third base and shortstop.

"Because that will be his role when he gets here," Yost said.

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Here is the lineup as James Shields faces the Cubs:

1. Jarrod Dyson, CF.

2. Johnny Giavotella, 2B.

3. Eric Hosmer, 1B.

4. Billy Butler, DH.

5. Alex Gordon, LF.

6. Salvador Perez, C.

7. Mike Moustakas, 3B.

8. Justin Maxwell, RF.

9. Jason Donald, SS.

This story was originally published March 15, 2014 at 11:29 AM with the headline "Royals’ latest lineup: James Shields faces Cubs, Escobar still out."