MINNEAPOLIS -- Maybe the biggest surprise this week was who didn’t get moved right before the Trade Deadline. And that namely would be center fielder Billy Hamilton.

The Royals were able to move everyone else with expiring contracts either through a trade or by designating them for assignment. Even Hamilton admits he was a bit surprised to still be with the club.

“But I can’t get caught up in being traded or not,” Hamilton told MLB.com. “Everything happens for a reason. I just have to prepare for whatever, whether it’s here or somewhere else.”

It is believed that Royals general manager Dayton Moore made it clear he simply wasn’t going to give away his players on expiring contracts, if he could avoid it, feeling that such a move would be insulting to their market value and to them individually.

Now, however, it will be increasingly challenging for manager Ned Yost to find any playing time for Hamilton. The Royals need to play rookie Bubba Starling as much as possible in center field, with Whit Merrifield, Hunter Dozier and Jorge Soler dividing time in right field. Merrifield also will play fairly often at second base, while Adalberto Mondesi (left shoulder subluxation) remains on the injured list, and Dozier will still play some third base.

Simply put, there’s really no where for Hamilton to play, other than an occasional spot start. Eventually, the Royals also will need to make room for outfielder Brett Phillips when he is promoted from Triple-A Omaha, which further makes Hamilton’s presence on the roster precarious.

“But you have to play [Hamilton] and keep him fluid to some degree,” Yost said. “He’s really struggled against left-handed pitching (.174) so you’ll try to work him in against some righties when you can. We’ll probably start him [Saturday against Twins right-hander Kyle Gibson].”

Hamilton understands the situation, though he says the reduced role naturally stings at his pride.

“It definitely bothers me because I’ve always been an everyday player,” he said. “Now, I’m a role player. I’m going to have to get used to it and make the best of it. You have to stay prepared and hope you’re playing at some point. You just do what you can to be a good teammate.”

Part of being a good teammate will be mentoring some of the other Royals.

“My job isn’t just to come around here and mope,” Hamilton said. “The younger guys are going to look up to me and I have to be good motivation for them. I have to help these guys out whenever I can.”