Perez to return to lineup against Tigers
Perez has been out of the lineup in the three games of the Indians series to let his hands, banged up by foul balls, get healed. Now he's feeling good -- and antsy.
"He was politicking last night to play today, but no," manager Ned Yost said before Sunday's series finale against the Indians.
Yost will keep his regulars in the lineup against the Tigers, who are challenging Chicago for the American League Central title, just as he did against the White Sox last week. The Royals took two of three games from the Sox and finished the season 12-6 against them. The Royals stand 4-7 against Detroit with seven games left.
Perez got a late start on the season because of knee surgery, so he really doesn't need the rest. As of Sunday, he was hitting .300 with 11 home runs, 16 doubles and 36 RBIs in 67 games.
Backup Brayan Pena started the first two games against the Indians and Adam Moore made his first appearance for the Royals on Sunday, catching Triple-A Omaha teammate Jake Odorizzi's big league debut. Catcher Manny Pina, who also had knee surgery during Spring Training, had not appeared since being called up from Double-A Northwest Arkansas on Sept. 1.