Jarrod Dyson leaves for rehab assignment at Class AAA Omaha, nears return to Royals

For Royals outfielder Jarrod Dyson, the most important swing of a six-week rehab process came Thursday afternoon at Kauffman Stadium.

Dyson faced right-hander Kris Medlen, who was throwing a simulated game on an off day. As coaches and trainers kept watch, Medlen unleashed a curveball. Dyson was fooled, swinging and missing. But the absence of pain in his abdomen marked another hurdle cleared.

“If I had any pain,” Dyson said, “I would have felt it right then and there. But I didn’t. That’s a great sign.”

On Friday, Dyson stood inside the clubhouse and prepared to depart for a rehab assignment at Class AAA Omaha. Thirty-eight days after suffering a strained oblique muscle in the Royals’ spring training opener, Dyson is one step closer to a return to the big-leagues.

Dyson could play Saturday as the Storm Chasers play host to New Orleans in Omaha. He will seek to knock off the rust over the next few days while regaining his timing at the plate.

“For the most part, I’m just going down, trying to get some at-bats,” Dyson said. “(I’m) trying to get back comfortable playing this game I love.”

The Royals did not offer a timetable for Dyson’s return to Kansas City, but manager Ned Yost does not envision it being long.

“He was swinging the bat awfully good when he left, in (batting practice),” Yost said. “So we’ll see how long it takes.”

The Storm Chasers will conclude a four-game series against New Orleans on Saturday and Sunday. They will play host to Round Rock in a four-game set beginning Monday. They will then depart for a four-game series in New Orleans beginning Friday. The Royals will head to Houston for a four-game series beginning Monday before starting a three-game series next Friday in Oakland.

Dyson was expected to begin the season as the Royals’ starter in right field, where he was slated to share time with Paulo Orlando. His injury opened a spot for Reymond Fuentes, who started the Royals’ first three games, and pinch runner Terrance Gore.

Yost said the right-handed hitting Orlando would likely start Saturday against Minnesota left-hander Tommy Milone. When Dyson returns, he will likely replace Gore on the 25-man roster. For now, Yost has declined to indicate his plans.

Medlen to start on Tuesday

The Royals completed some housekeeping Friday, announcing that right-hander Kris Medlen would make his season debut Tuesday at Houston. The Royals opted to skip Medlen during the season’s first week, utilizing three off days in the schedule. But with a stretch of 10 games in 10 days looming, the Royals will require a fifth starter.

The decision firms up the Royals’ rotation order: Ian Kennedy will make his season debut Saturday against the Twins, while opening day starter Edinson Volquez will return on Sunday. Right-hander Chris Young will make his second start on Monday. For now, the order of the Royals’ five-man rotation will set up like this: Volquez, Young, Medlen, Yordano Ventura and Kennedy.

This story was originally published April 8, 2016 at 8:24 PM with the headline "Jarrod Dyson leaves for rehab assignment at Class AAA Omaha, nears return to Royals."