Hosmer out for Astros series with finger injury

HOUSTON -- The Royals won't be at full strength for this week's showdown series between the two teams with the most wins in the American League.

First baseman Eric Hosmer was not in Monday's lineup against the Astros due to a mild sprain on his left (throwing) ring finger, and he's unlikely to play during the three-game set in Houston.

"It's actually feeling better, his hand was swollen up pretty bad yesterday, but a lot of the swelling has gone down," manager Ned Yost said. "Going to be a couple of days with him... I don't really anticipate him being available for this series."

Hosmer had a makeshift splint contraption on his hand before the game, and he even seemed in good spirits while teammates chided him about an afternoon interview on MLB Network.

He tried to play Sunday's game in Oakland, but left after two at-bats due to the swelling. He jammed the finger on Saturday against the A's during a stolen base attempt.

Kendrys Morales got the start at first base Monday in Hosmer's place. A DL stint is not in play just yet for the left-handed-hitting slugger, who has hit eight home runs, 40 RBIs and is hitting .290 this season.

"Mostly hurts [him] throwing and hitting, everything really," Yost said. "He thought he could hit through it [Sunday] but he realized it was too sore to do that. Again, we'll let the swelling go down and soreness go out and look at it in a day or two."