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KC Royals Fantasy Heroes: Alcides Escobar Sprains Knee

By John Viril

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The KC Royals defeated the Oakland A’s 6-4 despite an injury to Alcides Escobar on a late slide by the A’s Brett Lawrie during a force play at second base.

Designated Hitter Billy Butler returned to Kauffman Stadium for the first time as an opposing player. He received his 2014 AL Championship ring before the game. He was also cheered by the Kansas City Royals crowd both at the ring ceremony, and his first inning at bat.

Alex Gordon, Salvador Perez, and Eric Hosmer were also awarded their 2014 Gold Gloves before the game. Gordon has won the award four consecutive times, while Perez and Hosmer have won two each. Alex Gordon also received a 2014 Platinum Glove, which is awarded to the best defensive player in each league.

ALCIDES ESCOBAR

Escobar finished the night 0-4, but the big news for a fantasy baseball player is his injury.

You can see video of the play by clicking below:

On a force play at second base, Oakland shortstop Brett Lawrie made a hard slide with his leg high into Alcides Escobar. Though he made the putout, Escobar left the game.

Early reports indicate that Alcides Escobar suffered only a minor sprain to his left knee.

However, keep an eye on Escobar’s injury status and sit him down until you know if he will return to the lineup.

The injury is bad news for Alcides Escobar’s fantasy owners after the KC Royals shortstop has come out on fire to begin the 2015 season. The last thing you want to see is a nagging injury that will slow down his hot start.

AT THE PLATE

The Kansas City Royals continue to swing hot bats, rapping out 15 hits but only two extra base hits. Kansas City scored six runs on the night.

Salvador Perez went 3 for 4 with 2 singles, 1 double, 1 run scored, and 1 RBI (11).

Eric Hosmer went 3 for 4 with 3 singles, 1 run scored, and 1 RBI (9).

Lorenzo Cain is on fire at the plate, going 3 for 4 for the second straight night, with 3 singles. and 1 run scored.

Paulo Orlando hit yet another triple, his 4th in five total major league hits. His three-bagger knocked in Jarrod Dyson from first base in the 8th inning to put the KC Royals ahead 5-4. Orlando finished the game 1 for 4, with 1 triple, 1 run scored, and 1 RBI (1).

Orlando’s RBI was the first of his MLB career.

ON THE MOUND

Jeremy Guthrie had a gopher ball problem on Friday night, giving up three solo home runs in 6.0 innings. Guthrie allowed 7 hits, 0 walks, and 4 earned runs. He left in the 7th inning after giving up a bomb to A’s catcher Stephen Vogt that tied the game 4-4.

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Kelvin Herrera entered in the 6th and manged to escape without damage despite allowing 1 hit and 1 walk. Herrera whiffed 2.

Benches cleared  when A’s shortstop Brett Lawrie slid into second base with his leg high on a force play. Though it seemed as if Lawrie was trying to break up a double play, he slid late and right into Alcides Escobar.

Wade Davis entered in the 8th and pitched another clean inning. He earned the win to go 2-0 on the season.

Greg Holland pitched a clean inning in the 9th to notch his 4th save.

UP NEXT

The KC Royals and A’s play the second game of their three-game series on Saturday night. Yordano Ventura (2-0, 2.31 ERA) will pitch for KC, against Jesse Hahn (0-1, 3.09 ERA) for Oakland. Game time is 7:10 PM CST at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City on April 18.

Next: Billy Butler's Return To Kauffman Stadium

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