Getz may return Monday vs. Orioles

KANSAS CITY -- Second baseman Chris Getz's left knee sprain has improved enough that he was cleared to play before Sunday's game.

"He's fine. [Trainer Nick Kenney] put him through some kind of functional test, and he passed so if we need him in an emergency today, he's available," Royals manager Ned Yost said before Sunday's game.

Although he wasn't used on Sunday against the Tigers, Getz indicated he could play Monday night against the Orioles.

Getz left Saturday night's game in the fifth inning after twisting the knee while trying to field a single by Prince Fielder.

Yost opted to start right-handed-hitter Miguel Tejada at second base against Tigers right-hander Doug Fister instead of switch-hitting Elliot Johnson.

"Fister's been faring better against left-handers lately and Miggy's been swinging the bat good so take advantage of his right-handed bat," Yost said. "We feel it's a good matchup for Miggy."

Yost proved prophetic when Tejada pounded Fister for a homer, the Royals' lone run in their 4-1 loss to the Tigers.