Escobar not expected to return until midweek

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Shortstop Alcides Escobar won't be back in the Royals' lineup for at least three more days.

"We're shooting for Wednesday, after the off-day," manager Ned Yost said. The Royals have their only open date of the Cactus League schedule on Tuesday.

Yost said that Escobar needed three days off after receiving a cortisone shot in his ailing right shoulder, then a couple days after that to build up his throwing arm.

Escobar has played just three of the Royals' 17 games so far. He missed the start of the Cactus League schedule for the birth of his son, and his shoulder became sore shortly after his return.