Cain a late scratch to rest ailing knee

MINNEAPOLIS -- Royals center fielder Lorenzo Cain was a late scratch from the lineup because of a bruised knee before Sunday's 6-1 win over the Twins at Target Field. But both Cain and manager Ned Yost said the center fielder would be ready to go for Thursday's Game 1 of the American League Division Series.

"It was just a little sore today," Cain said. "But I'm going to be fine. Give it an extra day now before Thursday."

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Cain fouled a pitch directly off his right knee cap on Wednesday night. He did not play again until Saturday, when he had three hits -- including two doubles.

"It doesn't affect me swinging," Cain said. "But it's just more on the bases and in center. But I dealt with it last year in the playoffs."

Cain has been told by the team trainers that it will take three or four weeks for the bone bruise to properly heal.

"It'll be barking the whole month," Cain said. "But it's just a matter of pain management. I'll be OK."

Cain had a similar injury last October and was still phenomenal -- he was MVP of the AL Championship Series against Baltimore.