PHOENIX -- Royals infielder Raul Mondesi was scratched from Friday's game against the Brewers with lower back stiffness. He is considered day to day, according to team officials.
"[It came up] after BP today," manager Ned Yost said of Mondesi's tightness. "His back was a little stiff, and he's getting an off day tomorrow any way -- it was built in the schedule -- so just give him two. He's been playing a lot."
Mondesi was scheduled to lead off and play shortstop, his natural position. Humberto Arteaga took his spot Friday. Mondesi has previously made three Cactus League starts at shortstop and eight at second base, where he has "inserted himself into the conversation" for the starting job, manager Ned Yost said.
The switch-hitting 21-year-old is hitting .433 (13-for-30) with two doubles, two homers and three RBIs. 
Mondesi made his Major League debut as a pinch-hitter in the 2015 World Series, and got his first regular-season action last year when he came up on July 26 and started 40 games at second base.