Pasquantino (hamate fracture) kicks off Triple-A rehab assignment

NEW YORK -- Royals manager Matt Quatraro was happy to hear that first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino played in his first rehab game for Triple-A Omaha on Tuesday night. That means Kansas City's first baseman is close to returning to big league action. He has missed almost a month because of a right hamate bone fracture.

How did he perform?
Pasquantino had a great game, going 2-for-3 with an RBI single in Omaha's 5-4 loss to Louisville. The first hit came in the top of the first inning, when he singled off left-hander Brandon Leibrandt, driving in Matthew Lugo. Pasquantino picked up another single off Leibrandt four innings later.

What’s next?
Pasquantino is expected to play another game for Omaha. The Royals declined to say when he will return to the big leagues. “We are going to do it day by day,” Quatraro said. “He has been doing great in his work.”

What are they saying?
“I look forward to hearing how it felt and how his at-bats went,” Quatraro said. “I’m excited for him. I know he is excited to get going. He is very positive on how he has progressed. Clearly, we would like to get him back.”

What else?
During Pasquantino’s absence, the Royals have used Jac Caglianone, Salvador Perez and Nick Loftin at first. None of them have struggled standing in for Pasquantino, and each can play other positions. All three played in Kansas City's 16-12 victory over the Mets on Tuesday at Citi Field and went a combined 6-for-16 (.375) with a homer and four RBIs.