The Kansas City Royals have one of the best records in the majors and have a 4.5 game gap between them and the rest of the American League Central. That gap though could start to shrink quickly.
On Wednesday night, in the game between the Royals and the Tampa Bay Rays, outfielder Alex Gordon was chasing after a fly ball in the gap and would pull up on the play. Gordon would have to be carted off the field and be later diagnosed with a grade two groin strain to his left groin. The Royals have placed Gordon on the disabled list and have recalled left-handed pitcher Brandon Finnegan. The 31-year old is expected to miss eight weeks with the injury.
The nine year veteran was selected to his third straight All-Star game on Sunday and was going to be one of the three starting outfielders. He is expected to be replaced by Baltimore Orioles outfielder Adam Jones. Gordon is batting .279 with 11 home runs and 39 RBIs.
Not only will his bat be missed at the top of the lineup, but also his glove in the outfield. Gordon is considered to have one of the best outfield gloves in the game of baseball. He is a four-time Gold Glove recipient and this year has yet to make an error in the outfield. He is also a veteran leader in the Royals club house and will be missed dealry to his teammates.
Gordon will more than likely be replaced in left field by the speedy Jarrod Dyson while he recovers from the injury. Dyson is capable of handling the duties in left. Dyson is batting .273 this year coming off the bench, but with his speed the hole in the outfield should be filled up with Dyson.
With this being a huge blow to the reigning American League champs, still expect them to take on the league as if Gordon was still in the lineup.