Yost accepts head-first slides as part of game

ANAHEIM -- The Royals' Ned Yost doesn't like head-first slides any more than any other Major League manager, but he said there's no way to stop players from the risky maneuver.

Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado was hurt in that manner Friday night, joining the Angels' Josh Hamilton, the Nationals' Bryce Harper and the Rays' Ben Zobrist, all on the DL because of head-first slides. That's three All-Stars out, with Arenado a budding All-Star in his second season.

"You never like to see them do it, but it's just a reaction," Yost said Saturday before the game against the Angels at Angel Stadium. "It's more natural to them than sliding feet first.

"Where I really don't like it is sliding into first."

Asked if managers could keep their players from sliding head first by making it a team rule and issuing fines to violators, Yost said: "No, that doesn't work. It's been tried."