Kansas City Royals May Get Alex Rios Back Friday

The Kansas City Royals offense has been thoroughly offensive over the past few games. During the Royals recent four game losing streak, Kansas City has scored a total of five runs. Yes, five. The offense that had been so formidable prior to Sunday has gone back to that same production of last year.

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Fortunately, the Royals may be getting some help for that offense soon. Alex Rios has been on a rehab assignment with the Omaha Storm Chasers, and pending the results of an evaluation today, could join the Royals when they face off against the Cubs on Friday. Considering the results from the Royals offense over the past few days, this news could not come at a better time.

Rios was off to a hot start for the Royals prior to suffering a fractured left hand after being hit by a pitch on April 13th. In his seven games, Rios had posted a .321/.345/.464 batting line, hitting a home run and stealing two bases. His bat appeared to slot perfectly in the midst of the Royals lineup, adding another power/speed element.

Even though Rios only has two hit in his 13 at bats at AAA thus far, including a home run, he would have to be an upgrade over the production that the Kansas City Royals have gotten in right field this season. While Paulo Orlando and Jarrod Dyson are solid bench options, they have been exposed while playing every day. For the season, Royals right fielders have produced a .245/.276/.344 batting line with two home runs. Until Tuesday, Rios had hit the only home run for a Royals right fielder this year. Their combined OPS of .620 is the third worst in baseball, ahead of only the Phillies and the Red Sox.

Even if Rios is not back to the same hot hitter he was through Spring Training and into the first week of the season, he has to be better than what the Royals have received. After all, the production of the past six or seven weeks is almost enough to make us think back fondly of the days of Jeff Francoeur. That is the type of bar that Rios needs to clear at this point.

The Kansas City Royals offense needs a spark, considering the doldrums that they currently find themselves in. Having a healthy Alex Rios ready to return to the lineup, especially if he can step in and produce immediately, would certainly go a long way to cure the ills of the Royals.

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