John Rave hits game-tying home run vs. D-backs

Both players have been battling injuries over the last few weeks, so it makes sense for the Royals to give them a rest with a day game after a night game and the team eliminated from playoff contention. Nick Loftin will start at third base and hit sixth while John Rave will be in right field and bat seventh.

It’s a tough break for fantasy managers in extremely deep leagues since Loftin has been red-hot recently, hitting .400 (8-for-20) with one homer, three RBI and one steal over his last seven games. It’ll be Isaac Collins and John Rave getting outfield starts with Jac Caglianone back in right field for the second straight game.

The encouraging news for fantasy managers is that Caglianone, who remains out of the lineup for the fourth consecutive game, was able to resume hitting prior to Tuesday’s game in Kansas City. The 23-year-old emerging middle-of-the-order force remains shut down from throwing after being diagnosed with a mild flexor strain in his left elbow over the weekend. It’ll be John Rave getting another opportunity in right field on Wednesday evening. It sounds like there’s a chance he’s able to return to Kansas City’s lineup at DH during their upcoming three-game series against the Red Sox that gets underway on Friday.

Caglianone made an early exit from Saturday’s game due to soreness in his left elbow and he’ll sit once again on Sunday as a precautionary measure. As of now, there are no indications that he’ll require an extended absence from the lineup so he’s considered day-to-day. John Rave will start in his place in right field and bat leadoff for the Royals on Sunday afternoon.

The 29-year-old outfielder will get a breather in this one with veteran right-hander Max Scherzer on the hill for the Jays. John Rave will draw a rare start in center field in his place and will bat seventh for the Royals.

Caglianone was lifted for pinch-hitter John Rave in the fifth inning. He was 1-for-1 with a single and was also hit by a pitch earlier in the contest prior to departing. It’s a tough break for fantasy managers since he’s been on a tear at the plate recently. There should be an update on his status shortly.

Rave should have gotten a look as a starter against righties earlier than he did, but he’s probably on a good path to regular playing time as a platoon guy the rest of the way now that the Royals are selling. He should prove to be of use in AL-only leagues at least.

Rave returns to the majors with Vinnie Pasqantino requiring a trip to the injured list with wrist soreness. The 28-year-old outfielder has gotten into nine contests for Kansas City this season. He’s a non-factor for fantasy purposes.

With Salvador Perez dealing with a sore elbow, the Royals wanted to get an extra catcher on hand in case of an emergency, to Luke Maile was recalled from Triple-A at the expense of Rave on Thursday. The 28-year-old outfielder should get another opportunity with the Royals before the summer is through.

Rave was making his first start since being recalled from Triple-A on Sunday. His homer was one of four that Kansas City hit off Washington starter Zack Littell. Rave actually led the Royals in left field starts last season, though it was only 26 and the team had 10 players make a start there. He’s off the fantasy radar, even in deeper leagues, unless his playing time increases meaningfully.