KC Royals: Jarrod Dyson Out Six Weeks

The KC Royals received some bad news today. Jarrod Dyson’s oblique strain will keep him sidelined for at least six seeks.

Jarrod Dyson left yesterday’s Spring Training game in the second inning when he strained his right oblique in a second inning at-bat. Early reports were that the injury would likely keep him out for at least two weeks.

The MRI results revealed that Dyson suffered a Grade II oblique strain and would be out for at least six weeks. This is unwelcome news for the Royals, the fans, and most of all for Jarrod Dyson.

Dyson has spent time as a part-time player for the Royals for parts of six seasons now. His biggest weapon has been his ability to steal bases and who knows where the Royals would be without his late inning steals in some key playoff games.

He finally earned a shot at starting this year and looked poised to take on the bulk of the work in right field. Now the Royals will have to test their depth from the very outset of the season. If there is any good news here, it’s that the Royals have a lot of options in right field.

Rustin Dodd, the KC Royals beat writer for the Kansas City Star, tweeted the following in regards to Ned Yost‘s plans:

Blair Kerkhoff, a sportswriter for the Kansas City Star, tweeted the following lineup for today’s Spring Training match-up against the Texas Rangers:

It would appear the Royals are wasting no time in trying to determine who will be Dyson’s replacement.

Almost all of the internal candidates are starting this game, even though they may not be in right field. Paulo Orlando has the most experience with the Royals and has performed well for the Royals already. Travis Snider has played in the Major Leagues for parts of eight seasons but has struggled to ever replicate his Minor League success.

Brett Eibner and Jose Martinez will also get an opportunity to earn some time on the big league roster. Eibner especially impressed last season as he jumped out to a really hot start in Spring Training. If he can reproduce those results, it will be hard to keep him out of the lineup.

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Bubba Starling and Reymond Fuentes aren’t starting the game, but both will get playing time in today’s game. Both have a shot at making the team, but both should be considered dark horse candidates.

There are also a few options left on the free agent market but it seems unlikely that the Royals would make a big move at this point. If initial reports are underestimating the severity of the injury and the required time off, then the Royals could pursue a player like Austin Jackson or even consider a reunion with Alex Rios.

The Royals’ depth was tested early in the season in 2015 when Alex Rios suffered an injury in just the seventh game of the season. They responded by proving that they’re a well-rounded team and marched all the way to a World Championship. If there is ever a good time to test depth, perhaps it’s now.

Next: Five Overreactions To Spring Training

What do you think KC Royals’ fans? Will Dyson get the starting position back when he returns? Will the injury keep him sidelined longer than six weeks? Who will earn the starting position on opening day? Let me know your thoughts in the comments’ section below.