Alex Gordon leads off for Royals in Cactus League opener

Alex Gordon will lead off for the Royals in their Cactus League opener against Texas on Wednesday at 2:05 p.m.

It’s Alcides Escobar’s job, but he won’t play in the first two games after arriving late to spring training after the death of a relative.

Other regulars not in the Royals’ lineup: Designated hitter Kendrys Morales, catcher Salvador Perez and second baseman Omar Infante.

Kyle Zimmer will start on the mound and is unlikely to throw more than two innings.

1. Alex Gordon, LF

(Reymond Fuentes will replace Gordon)

2. Mike Moustakas, 3B

(Cheslor Cuthbert)

3. Eric Hosmer, 1B

(Balbino Fuenmayor)

4. Lorenzo Cain, CF

(Bubba Starling)

5. Brett Eibner, DH

(Jorge Bonifacio)

6. Christian Colon, 2B

(Whit Merrifield)

7. Jarrod Dyson, RF

(Travis Snider)

8. Raul Mondesi, SS

(Ramon Torres)

9. Drew Butera, C

(Parker Morin)

Starting pitcher: Kyle Zimmer