Maikel Garcia (left hand soreness) is not in the starting lineup on Wednesday against the Nationals.
Garcia had two plate appearances on Tuesday before being removed with hand soreness. While the Royals have said it was precautionary, it’s fair to wonder if the 26-year-old has been playing through something. Over his last 30 games, he’s slashing .263/.317/.333 with no home runs, 15 RBI, and just one steal. He has a nearly 40 percent hard-hit rate over that span, but just an 80 wRC+. With Garcia not running like he did the last three seasons and also struggling to produce much power, he’s not giving fantasy managers much this year. Nick Loftin will start at third base and bat eighth on Wednesday.