KC Royals: Jarrod Dyson To Begin Rehab Assignment Soon

KC Royals outfielder Jarrod Dyson is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment as soon as this weekend after the Minnesota series ends.

Dyson injured his oblique muscle (the long muscle that runs along the side from the shoulder to abdomen) On March 2. At the time, Kansas City Royals officials indicated they expected he could return in about six weeks. Dyson is right on schedule with the KC Royals beginning the second week of the 2016 season.

The 31-year-old Dyson has his first real opportunity to seize a starting job at the major league level. Earning regular playing time would be quite a coup for a guy who began his career as a 5oth round pick in 2006. That round doesn’t even exist today.

Jarrod Dyson, however, isn’t sure how long he’ll need before returning to the KC Royals, according to MLB.com reporter Jeffrey Flanagan:

"“It’s just based on feel,” he said. “I’m just trying to get some reps in, get some at-bats in, see some pitching. I want to work my game, steal bags, bunt.”"

Dyson’s return would be bad news for outfielder Reymond Fuentes. The 25-year-old left-handed hitting prospect is the primary beneficiary of Jarrod Dyson’s absence. So far Fuentes remains hitless after starting both of the Kansas City Royals first two games against the Mets. As a speedy outfielder that hits from the left side, Fuentes fills a similar role to Dyson on the KC Royals roster.

More from Kings of Kauffman

• KC Royals Rumors: Is a monster move in the cards?
• KC Royals Free Agent Hunt: 3 Tampa Bay pitchers
• Grading the 2022 KC Royals: The $25 million man
• KC Royals Winter Meetings Tracker: Expectations met
• KC Royals Winter Meetings Tracker: Day 3 update

Ned Yost might also decide to option outfielder Terrance Gore to AA Arkansas upon Dyson’s return. Gore is on the roster to replace Dyson’s base-stealing ability, but hasn’t appeared in a game this season. At this point, Gore’s bat isn’t ready to handle major-league pitchers and he’s nothing more than a pinch runner and defensive replacement at this point in his career.

2016 could be a big year for Dr. Zoom. If he’s even only the left-handed bat in a platoon with Paulo Orlando, Jarrod Dyson could steal 60 or more bases this season—given that Dyson has averaged 30 stolen bases a season over the last four years despite getting no more than 292 at bats in any season. Fantasy baseball players across the globe need to keep tabs on a guy that could challenge the league leaders in stolen bases with regular playing time.

Next: Royals vs. Twins: Miguel Sano Against. The World

I can’t wait to see Dr. Zoom running wild on the basepaths in 2016!