CLEVELAND -- The Royals have been without reliever Justin Grimm since he was placed on the 10-day disabled list on April 24 with lower back stiffness. That all could change soon, however, as manager Ned Yost said on Friday that Grimm could be close to a rehab assignment.
"We'll see how he feels tomorrow," Yost said before the series opener against the Indians at Progressive Field. "If he feels good on Saturday, we'll probably send him out to [Triple-A] Omaha on Monday to start a rehab assignment to see how he feels."
Grimm gave up 17 runs over seven innings before he was placed on the DL. The seven-year veteran signed with the Royals on a one-year, $1.25 million deal on March 18, three days after he was released by the Cubs.
Revolving door at DH
Alex Gordon started as the designated hitter in the series opener against the Indians on Friday, becoming the seventh Royals hitter in seven games to start at DH.
"We're trying to give everybody half a day," Yost said. "We're trying to keep everybody fresh. We've done it with everybody but [shortstop Alcides Escobar]. We're trying to give everybody a half a day and keep their bat in the lineup."
Gordon missed 13 games earlier this season due to a labral tear in his left hip. He was activated from the 10-day disabled list on April 24, and he entered Friday batting .298 with three home runs and eight RBIs.