SURPIRSE, Ariz. -- Royals outfielder Jorge Soler sustained an oblique strain in his final at-bat in a Minor League game on Sunday and could start the regular season on the disabled list, manager Ned Yost said.
An MRI on Monday showed Soler, who was acquired in the offseason in a trade with the Cubs for closer Wade Davis, had suffered a Grade 1 strain. As a result, he will be shut down for five to seven days. The Royals were not certain whether Soler would remain in extended spring training.
The injury is to Soler's left side.
"We don't know the extent of it," Yost said before the MRI results. "But in all probability, it looks like a DL stint."
Soler, expected to be the starting right fielder, had been having a rough spring offensively, hitting .143 with two home runs in 49 at-bats.
If Soler goes on the disabled list, it could open up a roster spot for speedy outfielder Terrance Gore.
"We haven't made any decisions and we won't likely make any until right up to the end," Yost said. "But Gore is more than just a baserunning weapon. He can defend and his offense is getting better."