Royals will face roster decision when Jarrod Dyson returns from injury

An intriguing roster decision looms in the near future as Royals outfielder Jarrod Dyson continues his rehab stint at Class AAA Omaha.

Dyson, who is recovering from an oblique strain, is slated to work up to a full nine innings by the end of the week. He could be ready for a return to Kansas City soon after that, barring any setbacks.

The first question: Which outfielder among Terrance Gore, Paulo Orlando and Reymond Fuentes will head back to the minor leagues to create room for Dyson? And perhaps a more interesting one: Would the Royals consider continuing to carry Gore, a pinch-running specialist, on the 25-man roster.

For now, Royals manager Ned Yost is remaining mum on both queries.

“I’m not going to discuss it, until it comes time,” Yost said, sidestepping multiple inquiries.

The questions came into greater focus after the Royals’ 4-3 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Sunday afternoon. Gore entered the game as a pinch runner in the bottom of the 10th, and scored the winning run on a wild pitch.

He had sprinted from first to third on an errant pickoff throw, setting up the dramatic ending. The Royals scored the winning run without a hit in the inning.

Yost has likened Gore’s speed to having a big bat off the bench, a substitute who can win a game in the late innings. On Sunday, the perfect scenario played out.

But as the Royals set their 25-man roster during spring training, Yost hinted that Gore’s inclusion on the opening day roster would likely be temporary. With the speedy Dyson injured and the Royals having three off days during the first week, Yost viewed Gore’s legs as a suitable replacement for Dyson, who can be used as a late-game sub when he is not starting.

“He’s a valuable guy until Dyson gets back,” Yost said of Gore then.

Dyson, though, is expected to draw semi-regular playing time when he returns, meaning Gore could still offer value as a pinch runner, like he did Sunday.

In the modern era, it’s nearly unprecedented for a team to carry a full-time pinch runner on the 25-man roster. The Royals, though, are constructed in ways that make it feasible.

Yost rarely pinch hits, opting to ride his regulars. Backup infielder Christian Colon can play three positions, spelling third baseman Mike Moustakas, shortstop Alcides Escobar and second baseman Omar Infante. The Royals could perhaps survive with one reserve outfielder — Fuentes or Orlando —logging time behind Alex Gordon, Lorenzo Cain and Dyson.

The Royals, however, have also shown an inclination to carry five outfielders at times. And Gore’s value is solely tied into his legs.

Fuentes had a two-run single in a 4-3 victory over the Twins on Friday. Orlando, who offers a right-handed bat, had three hits in his season debut on Saturday.

Dyson is expected to be in Omaha through at least Friday, meaning a decision can come later. For now, Yost said, the Royals are still discussing their options.

This story was originally published April 11, 2016 at 8:21 PM.