Major League Baseball: Royals injury updates
As the Royals returned to Kauffman Stadium on Monday, ready to embark on a seven-game homestand, manager Ned Yost used the designated-hitter spot to put two catchers in his starting lineup.
But it was a third who drew the pregame attention.
Salvador Perez took live swings, ran the bases and threw from his catchers stance to second base before Mondays game with the Seattle Mariners, his first such workout since he tore a ligament in his knee two days before Opening Day.
I feel pretty good. My knee is starting to feel a lot better, Perez said. I dont think its gonna take the time that people say. Its gonna be sooner than that.
Perez was initially given a four-to-six-week timeline with the knee injury, which has kept him on the disabled list.
Yost said Monday, I think its going to be closer to the four than it is the six, but well evaluate it every day (and) see where were at.
While the Royals were in Cleveland over the weekend, Perez started to receive pitches behind the plate. He also completed hitting work off a tee.
The progression reached live swings on Monday. The next few days are scheduled to include more of the same, said Perez, who added that there is still some inflammation in his knee but no pain.
It feels a little weird, Perez said. You know, every day, I was working hard, trying to get ready for the season. I was ready for the season. I think its part of the process. I just feel a little, maybe, weak not 100 percent strong.
