KC Royals Sit in First Place Despite Suspensions and Injuries

May 5, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals first basemen Eric Hosmer (35) celebrates with teammate Alex Gordon (4) after hitting a three-run home run against the Cleveland Indians during the first inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Going into the game Thursday against the Indians, the KC Royals were sitting at the top of the AL Central. Officially a month into the season, it seems we have a good picture and large enough sample size to see what we can expect from this team for the year.

Overall, besides a few bumps in the road, if we can expect this kind of play all year then we have a lot to be happy about. However, the team will definitely go through its ups and downs.

When we look at the roster over the last couple of weeks, it seems as though they have already been through what you would think would be a low time, with several players being benched for one reason or another.

Dayton Moore had a goal of giving this team as much depth as possible. We heard the plan all through the off-season and in spring training. The success of his plan could not be more evident than in the last few weeks. Looking at the KC Royals record, you would have no idea what they have endured recently when it comes to some of their best players.

The Royals have had four starting position players miss time, along with two starters suffer suspensions, along with injuries to closer Greg Holland and Tommy John surgery for Tim Collins in spring training (which ended his season).

Next: Dealing With Injuries