Michael Massey embraces dual role with Royals. Here’s what to know
Royals infielder Michael Massey has taken on a new challenge by splitting time between second base and the outfield. After an injury-plagued 2025 season, he’s worked to stay healthy and adapt to his expanded role.
FULL STORY: Michael Massey has embraced a new role on the Royals. And it’s elevated his game
Here are key takeaways:
• Massey, 28, spent his entire career at second base before the Royals acquired Jonathan India from the Cincinnati Reds, prompting the shift to a dual infield-outfield role.
• Injuries limited Massey to just 77 games in 2025. Those ailments included wrist soreness, an ankle sprain and back tightness.
• To handle the increased workload, Massey worked with Royals massage therapist Nicky Stoyles on soft tissue work and uses a Shiftwave chair at home to regulate his nervous system.
• Massey uses three different gloves in pregame work and trains with first base coach Damon Hollins on outfield reads and infield coach Jose Alguacil on throwing mechanics.
• Entering Sunday’s action, Massey was hitting .207 with one home run and seven RBIs in 58 at-bats, with 18 games at second base and four in the outfield.
• With India sidelined for the rest of the season after labral repair surgery, Massey will likely shift back to primarily playing second base, with utilityman Nick Loftin filling in as needed.
• Massey has two additional years of team control remaining and is slated to hit free agency ahead of the 2029 season.
The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The full story in the link at top was reported, written and edited entirely by journalists.
