The Royals have reinstated Hunter Dozier from the injured list, the club announced via Twitter. Dozier will take the roster spot left open by outfielder Franchy Cordero, who is headed to the 10-day IL with a right wrist sprain.
Dozier is set to make his season debut after testing positive for COVID-19 just two days’ prior to the Royals’ first game. He was reportedly feeling some symptoms at the time, but it is obviously good news to see him recovered and now ready to take the field. The 28-year-old is looking to follow up a breakout 2019 season that saw him hit .279/.348/.522 with 26 homers and a league-best 10 triples over 586 plate appearances.
While the Royals’ offense has been pretty productive even with Dozier out, his return will likely represent a big upgrade on Cordero, who has hit only .154/.185/.231 over his first 27 plate appearances with the team. He suffered his wrist injury during batting practice on Wednesday, and will now make another unwelcome trip to the IL in a career that has thus far been marked by injuries.
Elbow and quad problems limited Cordero to only 49 total games over the 2018-19 seasons, though the 25-year-old has flashed some impressive power potential when he has been able to play. There is still lots of upside if Cordero can stay healthy, which is why Kansas City was willing to trade reliever Tim Hill to San Diego for Cordero and Ronald Bolanos back on July 16.
There’s the rub with The Franch… here’s hoping he can kick that injury bug.
He’s been pathetic when he’s in there so I dont see him becoming much of anything even if he is healthy.
Don’t sleep on Franchy. I’ve been passively following him for awhile now and I can tell you he’s definitely much better than he’s been this year.
Nobody questions his talent or potential or his desire to play and perform. Franchy is just one of those guys with the injury bug. It’s unfortunate. I hope he finds success in KC.
LOL you’ll change your tune the first time he pops a 450 foot dinger.