Kansas City Royals outfielder Kyle Isbel returns to lineup following hamstring injury
Kansas City Royals outfielder Kyle Isbel returned from the 10-day injured list on Tuesday afternoon. The Royals recalled Isbel from Triple-A Omaha after he completed a rehab assignment with the Storm Chasers.
Isbel, 26, was the Royals’ starting center fielder on opening day. He played in 26 games before being sidelined May 4 with a strained left hamstring.
The Royals wasted no time starting Isbel in Tuesday’s lineup against the Cleveland Guardians. Isbel batted fifth, going 0 for 3, and patrolled center field.
“Everything is good and right where I need to be,” Isbel said before Tuesday’s game. “It took me probably two or three days to get it back. I was there (Triple-A Omaha) for two weeks and it felt really good.”
Isbel hit .290 during his rehab assignment with the Storm Chasers. He recorded two home runs, six RBIs and six walks in nine games.
The Royals optioned Nate Eaton to Triple-A Omaha in a corresponding move.
“I wanted to get back the day I got hurt,” Isbel said. “That’s just kind of who I am. I don’t like not playing when I’m here and feel like I can help the team. That’s what I want to do. Like I said, it was pretty frustrating, but I’m happy to be back.”
Isbel missed more than seven weeks with a Grade 2 hamstring strain. In 2019, he dealt with a similar hamstring injury and a fractured hamate bone. This time, Isbel said he spent his recovery time working on different areas of his body ahead of his return.
“I had the opportunity to strengthen the rest of my body to get back healthy,” he said. “My body feels pretty good.”
Isbel joins an outfield rotation that includes Edward Olivares, Drew Waters, MJ Melendez, Dairon Blanco and Samad Taylor. The Royals will look to balance playing time for each player as the season progresses.
Waters started in right field Tuesday against the Guardians. Melendez shifted to left field for the first time this season.
“We have a nice group of outfielders,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “We have five guys. We certainly aren’t going to run Isbel into the ground and play him every single day.”
The Royals will utilize their outfield versatility to match opposing pitching rotations. There is a chance Olivares could see more time at designated hitter. Taylor can also fill in at second base.
“We are in a good spot athletically throughout the whole roster,” Quatraro said.
This story was originally published June 27, 2023 at 6:31 PM.
