Tyler

Tolbert

The 23-year-old slugger was removed from Saturday’s game due to soreness in his shoulder that he suffered from running into the wall on Friday night. He’ll get Sunday off as a precautionary measure as well. Tyler Tolbert will start in his place in right field and will bat ninth against Twins’ left-hander Connor Prielipp.

Tolbert will get a spot on the Royals’ bench with Elias Díaz getting designated for assignment on Friday. The 28-year-old has been used almost exclusively as a pinch-runner and defensive replacement during his time with the Royals this season, and that’s likely to be the same case over the weekend against the Mariners.

Tolbert had been a luxury option on the Royals’ bench, serving almost exclusively as a pinch-runner and defensive replacement. He had just five plate appearances in seven games with the Royals, going 1-for-5 (.200) with a run scored and a stolen base. He’ll return to an everyday role at the Triple-A level for the time being.

With Salvador Perez and Carter Jensen both playing regularly, a third catcher makes sense for the Royals. Unless someone is hurt, we assume Tyler Tolbert will be swapped out. A utilityman on the roster for his speed, he’s 0-for-4 on the season. The Royals will also have to free up a spot on the 40-man.

Collins was immediately lifted from the contest after crashing into the stands to attempt to catch a foul ball. He was replaced by Tyler Tolbert in left field. There should be an update on his status following the contest.

The Royals said afterwards that Tolbert cramped up while taking his position in the eighth. Until then, it was a great day for Tolbert. Given a rare start — often a pinch-runner, he came into the day with 16 plate appearances in 27 games played — Tolbert got one up into the nice breeze blowing out to left at Wrigley today and was credited with a 391-foot homer on a fly that, at 94.2 mph, didn’t even qualify as a hard-hit ball.

Witt suffered a leg injury during Tuesday’s game against Chicago, but the shortstop told reporters that this is a rest day and he could be in the lineup if needed. It’ll be the first day off of the season for Witt and the 25-year-old will get a day of maintenance with Maikel Garcia moving over to shortstop and Tyler Tolbert getting the start at third base.

The speedy Tolbert played in 13 games during his first stint with the Royals and went 0-for-5 with six steals. He should be used in a similar fashion this time around, as his bat just isn’t major league quality.

Tolbert has been used primarily as a pinch-runner this season, going hitless in five at-bats with the Royals, though he has swiped six bases and scored three runs. He’ll be back once the Royals’ roster flexibility can handle his skillset once again.

Tolbert will return to his role as a bench bat and pinch runner for the Royals. With Dairon Blanco starting a rehab assignment, Tolbert’s time in Kansas City could be coming to a close soon.