KANSAS CITY, Mo. Adalberto Mondesi sat in a rolling chair stationed in front of his locker, motionless and quiet. As teammates occupied their time on cell phones, Mondesi stared toward the clubhouse TV. Highlights of the days opposing pitcher played on a loop, and as Mondesis eyes found the screen, there he was, ripping a double into the gap.
For at least the next couple of weeks, this is all Mondesi can enjoy highlights of the past.
The Royals placed Mondesi on the 10-day injured list Wednesday because of a left shoulder subluxation, or a partial dislocation. He will be re-evaluated in a week, at which point the severity of the injury will become clearer, manager Ned Yost said.
Im still waiting, Mondesi said. I dont have the answer. Im still waiting on whats going to happen. Im gonna be rehabbing and hope everything gets better soon.
In the meantime, the Royals recalled shortstop Humberto Arteaga from Triple-A Omaha to take Mondesis spot on the active roster. Arteaga and Nicky Lopez will factor in at shortstop. Lopez is starting there Wednesday, hitting sixth.
In other moves before Wednesdays game against the White Sox, the Royals traded outfielder Terrance Gore to the Yankees in exchange for cash. Gore was designated for assignment last week to clear space for outfielder Bubba Starling on the roster. Gore will join the Yankees minor league system. And the Royals also activated left-hander Mike Montgomery, acquired from the Cubs in a trade this week in exchange for catcher Martin Maldonado, and optioned Jake Newberry back to Omaha in a corresponding move.
The Mondesi transaction figures to have the most significant impact on the lineup. He is slashing .266/.294/.433, with seven home runs and 52 RBIs. His nine triples and 31 stolen bases both lead the league.
The shoulder injury occurred as Mondesi chased and dived for a ball in foul territory Tuesday night. Its his second trip to the 10-day injury list in as many months after a groin strain sidelined him for the latter half of June.
What can I say? I just play the game, and I cant control whats going to happen, Mondesi said. But I know Im gonna be good.
Until then, the Royals will shuffle the lineup. Lopez has made 51 of his 53 starts at second base since his mid-season call-up, but his background includes more play at shortstop than any other position. With him moving to the other side of the infield, leadoff man Whit Merrifield moved to second base against the White Sox on Wednesday at Kauffman Stadium.
Arteagas strength is the glove. He made his major league debut this season after a long wait, and his defense received the most praise.
Im not going to play Arty specifically at short and Nicky specifically at second Im going to move them around, Yost said. Let Nicky play some short; Arty will play some short; Whit will play some second. Just going to keep it rotated out there a little bit.
For how long?
Well re-evaluate (Mondesi) in a week. Well figure out how hes feeling, Yost said. Hes sore today. Just wait to give it some time to see how it feels, and well know more in a week or 10 days.
