Dozier near return: 'I feel like I'm there'
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KANSAS CITY -- Royals third baseman Hunter Dozier continues to make progress in his recovery from a thorax injury, and he appears close to being activated or being sent out on a rehab assignment.
Dozier, who sustained the injury May 30, was eligible Monday for reinstatement from the injured list.
“He’s making progress, but we’ll see,” Royals manager Ned Yost said.
Dozier said he had an extensive workout Tuesday, taking grounders, hitting off the tee and doing sprints.
“This is the best I’ve felt since the injury happened,” Dozier said. “I feel like I’m there, but that’s not my decision. It’s up to the medical staff. But I feel really good.”
The Royals have missed Dozier’s bat (11 home runs, .987 OPS) during the team’s recent skid. They lost eight of nine games entering Tuesday.
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Skoglund out on rehab
Left-hander Eric Skoglund was set to begin his 15-day rehab assignment at Double-A Northwest Arkansas on Tuesday in preparation for his return from an 80-game suspension for violating Major League Baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.
At some point, Skoglund might be transferred to Triple-A Omaha, which was off on Tuesday.
Barring any Royals rainouts, Skoglund will be reinstated on June 26.