Getz enjoying role as Royals' leadoff man

KANSAS CITY -- Chris Getz is quickly warming up to his new responsibilities as the Royals' leadoff hitter.

"I love being up there," Getz said. "It gives me an opportunity and I feel good at the plate right now. I'm there to embrace the role if [manager Ned Yost] is going to put me out there."

Since moving up in the order he has reached base six times in 13 plate appearances.

On Friday night against the Angels, Getz made his third consecutive start in the top spot and finished 1-for-4 with an RBI and his first stolen base. On Thursday, he went 1-for-3 with two walks also against the Angels, and was 1-for-3 with one walk on Wednesday against the Astros.

Alex Gordon batted first most of the season (40 games). Also tried there were Lorenzo Cain, Jarrod Dyson, Alcides Escobar and David Lough.