Concussion symptoms keep Escobar out

KANSAS CITY -- Shortstop Alcides Escobar was held out of Thursday night's game against the Tigers as the team continues to evaluate him for concussion-like symptoms.

Escobar was hit in the helmet with a 96-mph fastball from Cleveland's Danny Salazar on Wednesday night and had to leave the game.

Escobar said after the game that he felt OK and hoped to play Thursday, but the Royals sat him when he continued to show symptoms. The injury is not being declared a concussion yet because the data from the computer analysis is not yet complete.

"He's having some difficulty responding when he moves his head quickly up and down," manager Ned Yost said. "He's doing better than he was [on Wednesday], but he's not ready."

If Escobar's symptoms subside on Friday, the Royals' medical staff will exert him, then re-examine him. If he clears that procedure, he could possibly play on Saturday or Sunday.

It also is possible that he could be put on the seven-day disabled list retroactive to Thursday.

Christian Colon started at shortstop on Thursday.